Development of Lightweight, Electrically Conductive, Multi-functional Textiles and Composites

Key Technical Challenges: Obtaining reliable electrical resistivity measurements in the textiles after folding, bending, and other forms of geometric distortion have produced undesirable performance in conductive textiles fabricated by other methods.\nApproach/Research Plan: Process electrically conductive textiles; Measure electrical resistivity to identify effects from mechanical deformation (bending, folding, stretching, and/or torsion; Fabricate prototype of device from electrically conductive textile; and, Demonstrate prototype.\nDifferent/Complementary: The polyimide component of the electrically conductive film makes it possible to adhere the film to various substrates, thus providing the flexible circuit with more structural integrity. Because it does not appear that these types of polymer-based flexible circuits have been incorporated with a textile, one objective of the project will be to identify the best processing method to adhere the commercially available electrically conductive films to various fabrics. \nNext Step: The sensor, antenna, or other proposed device will have to be fabricated to further mature the technology; in addition to an investigation into wearable sensors (i.e., temperature, health or activity monitor, pressure) or antenna in spacesuits.

Goal: To demonstrate that the proposed material can conduct current by adhering electrically conductive polymer films to textile substrates\nCapability Need/Knowledge Gap: The proposed technology stems from the Agency's needs to advance the development of lightweight, multi-functional materials, manufacturing, and structures for deep-space exploration systems. \nState-of-the-Art/Knowledge: There has not been much work where sensors or electrical devices have been fabricated from flexible circuits in which electrically conductive patches were adhered to non-woven or woven fabrics.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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