Conducting polymer and conducting composite strain sensors on textiles

Metallic connections and polymer sensors have been printed onto textiles as a step toward the production of flexible printed electronics. We show that the strain response of conducting polymers and composites on woven textiles depends on the detailed distribution the sensor material on the yarn. The structure of most textiles, with strong fibers twisted into yarns, can provide a support which allows electronic materials, impregnated into the yarn, to stretch and bend without breaking.