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Friday, May 01, 2020

Breathable Electronics

Advances in functional wearable tech from NC State

'Breathable' Electronics Pave the Way for More Functional Wearable Tech
NC State News
April 30, 2020

Engineering researchers at North Carolina State University (NC State) have invented an ultrathin, stretchable electronic material that "breathes" because it is gas-permeable, which may lead to more functional wearable technologies. NC State's Yong Zhu said the breath figure method for fabricating the material enables easy scaling-up. The technique involves coating an evenly perforated polymer film with a solution of silver nanowires, which are sealed in place through heat-pressing; the film combines electric conductivity, optical transmittance, water-vapor permeability, and stability when exposed to sweat and long-term wear. Former NC State researcher Shanshan Yao said the micrometers-thick electronics enhance the signal-to-noise ratio through better skin contact, while their gas permeability avoids irritation. The researchers demonstrated use cases with prototypes, including skin-mountable dry electrodes used as electrophysiologic sensors, and textile-integrated touch sensing for human-machine interfaces. ... "

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