Polyethylenedioxythiophene coatings for humidity, temperature and strain sensing polyamide fibers

Conductive polyamide fibers were prepared by impregnating their fabric in an aqueous dispersion of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophenepoly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS). The morphology of the coating layers was studied by scanning electron microscope. The conductive fibers showed sensitivity to variations in surrounding humidity and temperature. This was monitored by the changeability of their specific resistance. The electrical response of PEDOT-PSS coated fabrics to external mechanical strain was also investigated. These single layer coatings of PEDOT on fabrics promise future applications such as in large surface area multifunctional sensors. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.