Smart textiles consist of discrete devices fabricated from-or incorporated onto-fibres. Despite the tremendous progress in smart textiles for lighting/display applications, a large scale approach for ...a smart display system with integrated multifunctional devices in traditional textile platforms has yet to be demonstrated. Here we report the realisation of a fully operational 46-inch smart textile lighting/display system consisting of RGB fibrous LEDs coupled with multifunctional fibre devices that are capable of wireless power transmission, touch sensing, photodetection, environmental/biosignal monitoring, and energy storage. The smart textile display system exhibits full freedom of form factors, including flexibility, bendability, and rollability as a vivid RGB lighting/grey-level-controlled full colour display apparatus with embedded fibre devices that are configured to provide external stimuli detection. Our systematic design and integration strategies are transformational and provide the foundation for realising highly functional smart lighting/display textiles over large area for revolutionary applications on smart homes and internet of things (IoT).
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•UV-responsive nanomaterials produced by PMo12 and PMo11V grafting onto SiO2 NPs.•Functionalization of SiO2 with C18 trialkylammonium silane led to higher POM ...loadings.•Photoresponsive PP fibers based on SiO2@C18-PMo12 NPs produced by melt spinning.•Hybrid nanomaterials and PP fibers with high color contrast under UV exposure.•Thermal stability and performance robustness of SiO2@C18-PMo12 for up to ∼180 °C.
Innovative photoresponsive polypropylene (PP) fibers were successfully fabricated via melt spinning through the incorporation of UV-responsive hybrid silica@phosphomolybdate nanomaterials during the fibers production.
Firstly, photochromic hybrid nanomaterials were prepared by immobilization of negatively-charged Keggin-type phosphomolybdates – PMo12O40 (PMo12) and PMo11VO40 (PMo11V) − onto positively-charged amine-functionalized silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) through electrostatic interactions. The structural and chemical characterization confirmed the SiO2 NPs functionalization with dimethyloctadecyl3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylammonium chloride (C18) and N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AEA), and subsequent phosphomolybdate immobilization. The hybrids exhibited UV-responsive properties, changing from yellow-green to blue with good color contrast (ΔE∗ab = 5.2–25.8) after being UV irradiated for 1 h, due to MoVI cations photoreduction to MoV. The bleaching process took several days, but could be accelerated by moderate heating (60–110 °C). Among the hybrid nanomaterials, the SiO2 NPs functionalized with C18 and PMo12 (SiO2@C18-PMo12) showed the best photochromic performance, combining good coloration/decoloration kinetics with high color contrast (ΔE∗ab = 25.8).
Bi-component core-sheath-type fibers were prepared via melt spinning, using PP doped with 5 wt% of SiO2@C18-PMo12 NPs as sheath and virgin PP as the core of the filaments. The resulting doped fibers presented good mechanical properties, which allowed the knitting of a photoresponsive mesh. The mesh showed UV-responsive properties, exhibiting similar optical features to those of the parent nanomaterial (coloration/decoloration kinetics and colorability). The results highlighted the remarkable thermal stability and robustness of the SiO2@C18-PMo12 nanomaterial for up to T ∼180 °C, without any decomposition or loss of photochromic performance, making it an attractive material for optical applications that require high processing temperatures.
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•Photoresponsive PVDF fibers doped with SiO2@NPTs were prepared by wet spinning.•PVDF@SiO2@NPTs with average diameters of 98 and 133 μm and a porous outer surface.•Internal fiber ...morphology showed finger-like macrovoids and sponge-like structures.•PVDF@SiO2@NPTs revealed UV and sunlight responsive properties.•Good coloration kinetics and optical contrast were achieved.
Photoresponsive polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibers doped with naphthopyran-functionalized silica nanoparticles (SiO2@NPT) were successfully prepared by dry–jet wet spinning. The incorporated photochromic nanomaterials, SiO2@S1 and SiO2@S2, were previously prepared by covalent post-grafting of the silylated NPTs – 2H-naphtho1,2-bpyran derivatives, S1 and S2 – onto nano-sized SiO2 (15 ± 3 nm).
The morphological and chemical characterization of the resulting doped fibers PVDF@SiO2@S1 and PVDF@SiO2@S2 was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR). Both PVDF@SiO2@S1 and PVDF@SiO2@S2 fibers presented average diameters of 133 ± 8 μm and 98 ± 7 μm, respectively, and a porous outer surface. The presence of the SiO2@NPT within the fibers was confirmed through the observation of dense clusters embedded within the polymeric matrix. Furthermore, the FTIR-ATR spectra of the fibers revealed that the PVDF matrix was composed of α and β crystalline and amorphous phases.
The PVDF@SiO2@S1 and PVDF@SiO2@S2 fibers showed photoresponsive properties under UV and sunlight irradiation, exhibiting fast coloration kinetics and good optical contrast (ΔE*ab = 7.2 and 15.1, respectively), and changing from a pale orange and an off-white color to a more intense yellow-orange and purple coloration, respectively, in less than 1 min. Moreover, they showed an initial fast bleaching, losing half of their color in less than 30 min (t1/2 = 28 and 20 min for PVDF@SiO2@S1 and PVDF@SiO2@S2 fibers, respectively), but displaying a residual coloration that took 1 and 2 h to return to the initial uncolored state (t3/4 = 95 and 49 min, respectively). The PVDF@SiO2@S2 fibers presented the best photochromic performance.
The fabrication of low-electrical-percolation-threshold polymer composites aims to reduce the weight fraction of the conductive nanomaterial necessary to achieve a given level of electrical ...resistivity of the composite. The present work aimed at preparing composites based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and magnetite particles in a polyurethane (PU) matrix to study the effect on the electrical resistance of electrodes produced under magnetic fields. Composites with 1 wt.% of MWCNT, 1 wt.% of magnetite and combinations of both were prepared and analysed. The hybrid composites combined MWCNTs and magnetite at the weight ratios of 1:1; 1:1/6; 1:1/12; and 1:1/24. The results showed that MWCNTs were responsible for the electrical conductivity of the composites since the composites with 1 wt.% magnetite were non-conductive. Combining magnetite particles with MWCNTs reduces the electrical resistance of the composite. SQUID analysis showed that MWCNTs simultaneously exhibit ferromagnetism and diamagnetism, ferromagnetism being dominant at lower magnetic fields and diamagnetism being dominant at higher fields. Conversely, magnetite particles present a ferromagnetic response much stronger than MWCNTs. Finally, optical microscopy (OM) and X-ray micro computed tomography (micro CT) identified the interaction between particles and their location inside the composite. In conclusion, the combination of magnetite and MWCNTs in a polymer composite allows for the control of the location of these particles using an external magnetic field, decreasing the electrical resistance of the electrodes produced. By adding 1 wt.% of magnetite to 1 wt.% of MWCNT (1:1), the electric resistance of the composites decreased from 9 × 10
to 5 × 10
Ω. This approach significantly improved the reproducibility of the electrode's fabrication process, enabling the development of a triboelectric sensor using a polyurethane (PU) composite and silicone rubber (SR). Finally, the method's bearing was demonstrated by developing an automated robotic soft grip with tendon-driven actuation controlled by the triboelectric sensor. The results indicate that magnetic patterning is a versatile and low-cost approach to manufacturing sensors for soft robotics.
Soft robotics is an expanding area with multiple applications; however, building low-cost, soft, and flexible robots requires the development of sensors that can be directly integrated into the soft ...robotics fabrication process. Thus, the motivation for this work was the design of a low-cost fabrication process of flexible sensors that can detect touch and deformation. The fabrication process proposed uses a flexible polymer nanocomposite with permanent magnets strategically placed where the conductive electrodes should be. The nanocomposite is based on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The MWCNT contains ferromagnetic impurities remaining from the synthesis process, which can be used for magnetic manipulation. Several electrode geometries were successfully simulated and tested. The magnetic patterning was simulated, allowing the fabrication of conductive patterns within the composite. This fabrication process allowed the reduction of the electrical resistivity of the nanocomposites as compared to the composites with homogeneous MWCNT dispersion. It also allowed the fabrication of piezoresistive and triboelectric sensors at MWCNT concentration as low as 0.5 wt.%. The fabrication process proposed is flexible, allows the development of sensors for soft robotics, as well as monitoring large and unconventional areas, and may be adapted to different mould shapes and polymers at low cost.
An integrated textile electronic system is reported here, enabling a truly free form factor system via textile manufacturing integration of fiber-based electronic components. Intelligent and smart ...systems require freedom of form factor, unrestricted design, and unlimited scale. Initial attempts to develop conductive fibers and textile electronics failed to achieve reliable integration and performance required for industrial-scale manufacturing of technical textiles by standard weaving technologies. Here, we present a textile electronic system with functional one-dimensional devices, including fiber photodetectors (as an input device), fiber supercapacitors (as an energy storage device), fiber field-effect transistors (as an electronic driving device), and fiber quantum dot light-emitting diodes (as an output device). As a proof of concept applicable to smart homes, a textile electronic system composed of multiple functional fiber components is demonstrated, enabling luminance modulation and letter indication depending on sunlight intensity.
In this work, we present our results on one-dimensional (1-D) light-emitting devices and their textile integration. Indeed, light integration in textiles is very challenging and thanks to their ...unique 1-D configuration for possible miniaturization in the lateral direction, light-emitting fibres are promising since they present higher flexibility and adaptability than planar devices and can be easily integrated into textile processes. Therefore, this work is dedicated to studying and optimising these structures to achieve flexibility, stability, suitability for large-scale production and their integration into textiles. 1-D light-emitting devices consisting of electroluminescent (EL) fibres with different structures will be studied. Although the dip-coating method presents several challenges, it turns out that this method is the most promising for the scalability of the process.
In this work, we present our results on one-dimensional (1-D) light-emitting devices and their textile integration. Indeed, light integration in textiles is very challenging and thanks to their ...unique 1-D configuration for possible miniaturization in the lateral direction, light-emitting fibres are promising since they present higher flexibility and adaptability than planar devices and can be easily integrated into textile processes. Therefore, this work is dedicated to studying and optimising these structures to achieve flexibility, stability, suitability for large-scale production and their integration into textiles. 1-D light-emitting devices consisting of electroluminescent (EL) fibres with different structures will be studied. Although the dip-coating method presents several challenges, it turns out that this method is the most promising for the scalability of the process.
Arboviruses are a major threat to public health in tropical regions, encompassing over 534 distinct species, with 134 capable of causing diseases in humans. These viruses are transmitted through ...arthropod vectors that cause symptoms such as fever, headache, joint pains, and rash, in addition to more serious cases that can lead to death. Among the arboviruses, dengue virus stands out as the most prevalent, annually affecting approximately 16.2 million individuals solely in the Americas. Furthermore, the re-emergence of the Zika virus and the recurrent outbreaks of chikungunya in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, with one million cases reported annually, underscore the urgency of addressing this public health challenge. In this manuscript we discuss the epidemiology, viral structure, pathogenicity and integrated control strategies to combat arboviruses, and the most used tools, such as vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, treatment, etc., in addition to presenting future perspectives for the control of arboviruses. Currently, specific medications for treating arbovirus infections are lacking, and symptom management remains the primary approach. However, promising advancements have been made in certain treatments, such as Chloroquine, Niclosamide, and Isatin derivatives, which have demonstrated notable antiviral properties against these arboviruses
and
experiments. Additionally, various strategies within vector control approaches have shown significant promise in reducing arbovirus transmission rates. These encompass public education initiatives, targeted insecticide applications, and innovative approaches like manipulating mosquito bacterial symbionts, such as
. In conclusion, combatting the global threat of arbovirus diseases needs a comprehensive approach integrating antiviral research, vaccination, and vector control. The continued efforts of research communities, alongside collaborative partnerships with public health authorities, are imperative to effectively address and mitigate the impact of these arboviral infections on public health worldwide.