Multi-functional flexible PANI-based material for the development of efficient heating sensing equipment: integrating intelligent heating, motion detection, moisture absorption and ultraviolet protection function

With the advancement of technology and the improvement of living standards, multifunctional composite materials are increasingly attracting attention. Conductive polymer polyaniline (PANI), a key component in the fabrication of intelligent composite materials, is widely used in various fields because of its unique properties. When FeCl3 was used as the oxidant, the PANI-based composite material demonstrated a significant increase in maximum saturation temperature from 34.10 °C to 47.43 °C, under a voltage range of 6–12 V. It also exhibited a sensitivity of 1.0960 kPa−1 (greater than 1 kPa−1) at a low pressure of 0.5 kPa, and its response/recovery time is 200 ms for both. Its maximum capillary rise height reached 7.7 cm. Additionally, the PANI-based composite material achieved a UPF value 40+, effectively blocking over 97.5 % of ultraviolet rays. It also absorbed over 90 % of electromagnetic waves within the 0–18 GHz frequency range. The wear resistance has also been significantly improved compared to pure cotton fabrics, with the friction times reaching 1370 before damage when FeCl3 is used as the oxidant for this composite material. The PANI-based composite material developed in this study functions of intelligent heating, motion detection, moisture absorption, and UV protection functions. It holds the potential to develop efficient heating and sensing devices, offering a solution for the design of the next generation of multifunctional flexible composite materials. [Display omitted] •Preparation of multifunctional flexible polyaniline-based composites by in situ polymerization.•Studying the impact of various oxidizers on the electrothermal, piezoresistive, and other properties of polyaniline-based composites.•The prepared polyaniline-based composite material integrates intelligent heating, motion detection, moisture absorption and UV protection.•Multifunctional polyaniline-based composites can be processed into smart wearable clothing products for many applications due to their excellent comprehensive performance.