In a significant stride towards enhancing the capabilities of smart textiles, researchers have developed a novel approach to creating electrically conductive polymer fibers that balance conductivity, mechanical strength, and processability. This breakthrough, published in the journal *Macromolecular Materials and Engineering* (translated from German as “Macromolecular Materials and Engineering”), introduces a synergistic strategy using single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and carbon black (CB) to improve the performance of polyamide 6 (PA6) composites.
The study, led by Müslüm Kaplan from the Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. (IPF) in Dresden, Germany, explores the electrical and rheological behavior of melt-spun PA6 fibers. The research addresses a common challenge in the industry: the trade-offs among conductivity, mechanical strength, and processability in electrically conductive polymer fibers.
Kaplan and his team found that incorporating both SWCNTs and CB into PA6 composites created a hybrid network that maintained electrical conductivity even after the fibers were drawn. “The spherical CB particles seem to maintain connectivity within the aligned SWCNT networks,” Kaplan explained. This hybrid approach ensured that the resistivity of the fibers remained within the range of approximately 102–104 Ω·cm, even after drawing the fibers to a draw-down ratio (DDR) of 2–4. In contrast, single-filler SWCNT systems failed, exhibiting resistivities greater than 109 Ω·cm.
The study also revealed that the complex viscosity of the PA6 composites remained within processable ranges, around 1400 Pa·s at 270°C, despite elevated values. This stable shear-thinning behavior is crucial for the industrial processing of these materials. Mechanical properties of the fibers showed tenacity of 4–6 cN/dtex with 100%–150% elongation, indicating that the fibers are both strong and flexible.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector, particularly in the development of smart textiles. These advanced materials could be used in applications such as wearable electronics, energy harvesting, and sensing technologies. “The hybrid nanofiller systems demonstrate great potential for producing conductive filaments suitable for smart textile applications,” Kaplan noted. This positions hybrid SWCNT/CB systems as promising candidates for scalable smart textile manufacturing.
As the demand for smart textiles continues to grow, the ability to produce conductive fibers that are both durable and easy to process will be crucial. This research not only advances the scientific understanding of conductive polymer composites but also paves the way for innovative applications in various industries, including energy and textiles. The findings published in *Macromolecular Materials and Engineering* highlight the importance of interdisciplinary research in driving technological advancements.