SILVER NANOWIRE COATED POPLAR-PET CONDUCTIVE NONWOVEN FABRICS FOR PRESSURE SENSING APPLICATIONS

This study demonstrates the use of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics of poplar seed fiber and polyester fiber blends in sensor applications. For this purpose, the surfaces of the produced fabrics were functionalized by coating them with silver nanowires (AgNWs). AgNWs were synthesized according to the polyol method and then coated onto the nonwoven fabrics through dip coating process. Surface morphology is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the analysis revealed a uniform coating on the fabric surface. Measurement of electrical surface resistance of treated fabrics confirmed that the presence of silver nanowires significantly improved the electrical conductivity. The capacitor structure was fabricated as a sandwich via placing a stretchable sealing film (Parafilm®) between two conductive nonwoven samples. Variation in the relative capacitance as a result of loading and unloading was observed. Poplar blended nonwoven fabrics exhibited great potential to be used as capacitive sensors to measure variable weight pressures. By virtue of its biodegradability, availability and light-weight solution, bio-waste poplar fibers offer a novel application for developing wearable and flexible tactile sensors.