Electro-conductive and elastic hybrid yarns - The effects of stretching, cyclic straining and washing on their electro-conductive properties

Electro-conductive yarns can be produced in various ways and can obtain very different properties in terms of conductivity, touch, as well as strength and elasticity. In this research, it was focussed on manufacturing elastic and electro-conductive yarns (el2-yarns) via hollow spindle spinning. All yarns comprised elastic core yarns, based on rubber, around which electro-conductive winding yarns, based on silver, copper and stainless steel, were wound. This paper presents the yarn's electrical characteristics while stretching and after exposure to cyclic straining and washing. Analyzing the el2-yarn's electro-conductive properties upon elongation, revealed that their electrical resistance remains constant over elongation levels up to 100%. Furthermore, it is shown that both, cyclic straining and washing, decrease the yarn's electrical performance. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.