NUS researchers develop recyclable fibers for smart textiles

Scientists at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have made a leap forward in delivering soft, recyclable fibers for smart textiles. This original technique empowers the production of strong, stretchable, electrically conductive, and recyclable fibers at room temperature and pressure, conquering the difficulties presented by customary processes.

The development of smart textiles has made it possible to use wearable technology for a wide range of purposes, including therapeutics, sensing, and communication.

Assistant Professor Tan Swee Ching and a team of researchers from NUS’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering have been inspired by the way spiders spin silk to build webs. They, in collaboration with international partners, have invented a new method to produce soft fibers with the above mentioned qualities.

The fabrication process can be directed at room temperature and pressure, and it uses less solvent and energy, making it an interesting choice for creating functional soft fibers for different smart applications.

The biomimetic spinning process and the gel solution’s unique formulation make it possible to produce soft fibers with three important properties: strength, stretchability, and electrical conductivity. The fibers’ mechanical properties were confirmed by stress tests, and their electrical conductivity was confirmed by molecular-level analysis due to the gel’s presence of silver ions.

The PANSion soft fibers contribute to sustainability initiatives in addition to their functional properties. By dissolving them in DMF, they can be recycled and made into a gel solution that can be used to spin new fibers. Compared to current fiber-spinning techniques, this spider-inspired method uses significantly less energy and requires fewer chemicals.