Multifunctional and conductive textile from recycled polyacrylonitrile fibers and polysiloxane for potential orthotic limbs and electronic skin applications

Textile recycling has been significant in terms of economic benefits, resource conservation, waste minimization, and environmental sustainability. Multifunctional textiles were developed by depositing a nanocomposite of polypyrrole (Ppyr) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto a plasma-cured recycled nonwoven polyacrylonitrile fabric. The polyacrylonitrile fibers were transformed into nonwoven fabric with a fiber diameter of 40-60 μm using the needle punching technique. The development of an insoluble nanocomposite within the fibrous bulk was achieved by reduction-oxidation (REDOX) polymerization of Ppyr concurrently with the reduction of silver nitrate into Ag 0 (10-23 nm). This achieves high colorfastness without affecting the mechanical features of the polyacrylonitrile fabric. Different electroconductive fabrics were prepared by integrating Ppyr with and without AgNPs. The conductivity of the AgNPs/Ppyr-treated plasma-assisted textiles reached 0.7482 S/cm. The polyacrylonitrile fabric gained its hydrophobic qualities after being cured with room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (VSR; polysiloxane), demonstrating a remarkable contact angle of 152.9°. Incorporating Ag 0 into the nonwoven fabric resulted in a brownish color (385 nm) for plasma-uncured textiles and a purplish color (595 nm) for plasma-activated textiles. Polyacrylonitrile fabrics were tested for their comfort level based on their air permeability and stiffness. The fabric protection against ultraviolet radiation was explored. The morphological characteristics of textiles were investigated by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To examine the antimicrobial activity of the developed fabrics, both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were used.