Development of Durable and Stretchable Hybrid Electronic Yarns for Temperature Measurement: Sensing and Mechanical Performance
摘要
The development of durable and stretchable hybrid electronic yarn for precise temperature measurement in wearable textiles faces challenges such as interconnection breakage, limited extensibility, and low mechanical stability. This study presents the development of durable, stretchable hybrid electronic yarns (e-yarns) for accurate body temperature measurement in wearable textiles. This hybrid e-yarn comprises a pair of enamel copper wires wrapped around a spandex core, interconnected to a surface-mounted negative temperature coefficient thermistor electronic component. A customized design of a novel polytetrafluoroethylene mold-enabled interconnection technique ensures precise alignment and robust soldering. Preliminary and final encapsulation techniques were used to increase the mechanical stability of the sensing yarn. Ultraviolet (UV) polyurethane acrylate (PUA), UV acrylic resin adhesives with two diameters, and a polyethylene heat-shrink tube cured by UV and heat were used to evaluate the temperature-sensing performance of the yarn. A tubular braiding structure with nylon threads further improved mechanical durability and textile-like properties. The results demonstrate that PUA encapsulation with a small diameter is advantageous for achieving good temperature-sensing performance, with sensitivity of 2.961%/°C within a temperature range of 28–45°C. Preliminary PUA encapsulation within a tubular braided structure demonstrated optimal sensing accuracy (± 0.65% error), sensitivity of 2.9493%/°C, a hysteresis error of 2.214%, and response times of 6.4272 s (heating) and 26.2955 s (cooling). This structure achieved ideal equilibrium between precise temperature-sensing accuracy and durable and stable functionality in tensile, bending, washing and drying, and textile-like properties, which are crucial for monitoring human health.