E-Textiles Conference 2024 • 2024

Solution Processed Flexible Electroluminescent Yarns for Advanced Textile Integration

Jidong Liu (Centre for Flexible Electronics and E-Textiles, Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, United Kingdom), Russel Torah (Centre for Flexible Electronics and E-Textiles, Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, United Kingdom), Shuran Yang (Centre for Flexible Electronics and E-Textiles, Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, United Kingdom), Stephen Beeby (Centre for Flexible Electronics and E-Textiles, Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, United Kingdom), Sheng Yong (Centre for Flexible Electronics and E-Textiles, Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, United Kingdom), Kai Yang (Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, United Kingdom)

electroluminescent yarnse-textilecoaxialcoating

Highlights

  • Four-layer coaxial AC electroluminescent yarn using a stainless steel core and PEDOT:PSS outer electrode
  • Fully solution-processed via vertical syringe coating with precise layer control
  • Thin yarn diameter of about 290 µm emitting bright blue light
  • Operates at 200 V, 20 kHz with luminance up to ~110 cd/m²
  • Maintains function after 3000 bending cycles; washing causes deformation and reduced luminosity
  • Demonstrates feasibility of PEDOT:PSS as a transparent outer electrode for yarn devices

Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach to developing flexible, solution-processed electroluminescent yarns for textile integration, using a four-layer coaxial structure based on a monofilament stainless steel core and PEDOT: PSS as the outer electrode. The yarn is produced by a vertical syringe coating system using functional screen-printing inks. With a diameter of approximately 290 µm, the yarn emits bright blue light when powered by an alternating current signal (200 V at 20 kHz), in both bending and unbending states. The yarn was tested for repeated bending and machine washing, demonstrating its potential for advanced textile applications.

Click to read Full Paper.

Citation

Jidong Liu, Russel Torah, Shuran Yang, Stephen Beeby, Sheng Yong, Kai Yang. Solution Processed Flexible Electroluminescent Yarns for Advanced Textile Integration. In E-Textiles Conference 2024, 2024.

Want to stay up to date with all the information?

Sign up for our newsletter!