Title: Carbon Nanomaterial Based Multifunctional Fabrics for Characterizing Human Joint Motion

Authors: Amit Chaudhari, Abhishek Jerome, Sagar M Doshi1, Michael Keefe and Erik Thostenson

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.20.0159

Abstract: Scalable processes such as electrophoretic deposition and dip coating are used to deposit carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on non-conductive fabrics such as cotton, nylon, wool, and aramid to develop multifunctional, smart garments. Functionalized CNTs create a flexible and electrically conductive nanocomposite film on the surface of the fibers. The CNTs also impart piezoresistive properties to the fabrics making them an ideal candidate for sensor-related applications, where the electrical resistance of the fabric changes with applied pressure. This property can be used to create functional garments that can be used to measure/characterize human joint motion. The ease of use for assistive devices, particularly in physical-therapy applications would be improved if the devices are comfortable to wear and more helpful to standard ordinary exercises. In such wearable assistive devices, real-time sensing and feedback are critical for seamless movements and spontaneous motion support. In this research, we are depositing functionalized CNTs onto a non-woven aramid fabric to create flexible pressure sensors that are used to measure the applied pressure by a Kevlar sleeve on a manikin arm during flexion and extension. When the manikin arm wrapped with Kevlar sleeve is flexed, the CNT coated sensor underneath the sleeve is compressed due to the applied pressure, which causes a decrease in the electrical resistance. In this paper, we discuss the experimental characterization and applications of these sensors and their potential applicability to provide real-time feedback in assistive devices.

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Conference: SAMPE 2020 | Virtual Series

Publication Date: 2020/06/01

SKU: TP20-0000000159

Pages: 9

Price: FREE