Electrically conductive yarns based on PVA/carbon nanotubes

Electrically conductive yarns from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were prepared by two different methods, wet-spinning and coating processes. For the wet-spinning process, the CNTs/PVA mixed solution was extruded into a coagulant bath which contained high concentration coagulating agent. The coating process was carried out on five common fibers, including natural fibers and synthetic fibers, by using a blend of CNTs and PVA. Then, the conductive yarns were treated by an acetylization process in order to decrease the solubility of PVA to water. Their conductivity and the mechanical property were investigated. Additionally, the influence of acidic hydrolysis by strong acids used for the acetylization process on mechanical properties of the materials was investigated. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.