Multifunctional knit fabrics for self-powered sensing through nanocomposites coatings

Multifunctional smart textiles are of high popularity in recent era as the society faces serious challenges of health, protection, comfort, and energy requisite. The textiles incorporated with piezoelectric materials allow the widespread applications such as sensing, actuation and energy harvesting to directly assist the human towards a good quality life. Here, synthesis of the piezoelectric nanocomposite coatings on knitted fabrics through zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) dispersed in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) enable the successful fabrication of flexible and efficient electroactive substrate for sensing of biomechanical motion. The substrate coated with 15 wt% ZnO in PVDF when attached to the finger demonstrated excellent response by producing the voltage from 0.6 V to 4.1 V upon bending from 10° to 90°. Furthermore, tailorable voltage and current responses have also been observed upon enforcing shear/impact stresses. The promising air permeability, antibacterial activity and hydrophobic characteristics enrich its suitability for application in wearable electronics where aesthetic and comfort are also needed along with functionality. This study demonstrates a textile based self-powered sensing system having multifunctional characteristics. [Display omitted] •Wearable piezoelectric strain sensors have been realized by facile coatings of PVDF/ZnO nanocomposites on textiles.•Multifunctionality such as hydrophobicity, antibacterial activity, breathability, and strain sensitivity is appreciated.•Incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles enhances β-phase of PVDF that contributes towards higher piezo response of the sensor.•As-developed sensing fabrics exhibit stable piezo responses upon longer exposure to deformations.