L. RAMBAUSEK(1), A. SCHWARZ1, B. VAN GENABET1, E. BRUNEEL(2),
I. VAN DRIESSCHE(2), L. VAN LANGENHOVE(1) (1)Ghent University, Dept. of Textiles, Ghent/Zwijnaarde, Belgium; (2)Ghent University, Dept. of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, Ghent, Belgium
During the last decade, research on intelligent textile systems progressed steadily. Today, science is focussing on full integration of electronics into textiles. E-textiles function like their rigid electronic companions but keep their textile properties. To interconnect components within the system, textile structures need to be equipped with electro-conductive properties. For flexible solar cells or fibrous transistors, electro-conductive coatings are applied. Transistors, acting as electrical switches, are essential for realizing fully integrated intelligent textile systems. By electroless deposition of pyrrole and copper on polyester fibres, conductivity is achieved. A DC conductive gate electrode is designed.
In this paper, the development of the gate layer within the fibrous transistor is described. Ideal pH and optimal reaction time are determined as well as the effect of variation in fibre diameter is investigated. A reproducible polypyrrole layer has been obtained.
Ideal reaction time was 180 minutes at a temperature of 278K. The electroless copper coating process on the polypyrrole layer showed optimal results at a pH of 13. Analysis through SEM and resistance measurements have been completed.
Further investigation comprises stability and roughness of the copper layer.
