Author: JULIJA PUPEIKĖ
Dissertation title: Development and research of electrically conductive and wear resistant textiles by coating with PEDOT:PSS polymer
Fields of science: Material engineering T008
Scientific supervisor: dr. Audronė Sankauskaitė
Defence of the dissertation: 6 June 2025
SUMMARY: In modern materials engineering, more attention is paid to smart textiles that can perform additional functions, such as electrical conductivity or signal transmission. Ecological, environmentally friendly and sustainable textile technology solutions are also becoming more relevant. PEDOT:PSS is a conductive polymer widely used in the development of wearable electronics. However, the integration of these materials into textiles poses challenges due to their resistance to wear. The aim of the research is to develop electrically conductive and wear-resistant textile technology using PEDOT:PSS polymer. In this work, biodegradable wool fabric was treated with low-pressure N₂ gas plasma and coated with a composite coating of PEDOT:PSS conductive polymer and low formaldehyde content melamine resin. The formation of the PEDOT:PSS coating on the wool fabric was performed by three methods: dyeing, screen printing and digital printing. The coating with the most wear-resistant and best electrical conductivity was created using a sustainable digital printing method. The properties of the fabrics were evaluated using morphological, chemical, physical, electrical conductivity and color fastness to washing and rubbing tests. A detailed and innovative characterization of PEDOT:PSS coatings and fabric properties was performed using modern research methods and equipment. It was found that nitrogen plasma modification improves the penetration of the polymer into the fiber, and the binder (melamine formaldehyde resin) increases the adhesion and wear resistance of the PEDOT:PSS layer. In this work, the electrical and wear properties of PEDOT:PSS polymer-coated textile materials and more sustainable coating methods are important for developing reliable, sustainable and practically applicable smart textile solutions.