# Toward Robust Electrical Heating Textiles: Factors Influencing Electrical Heating Performance and Durability

## TL;DR

This paper explores how different materials and structures affect the performance and durability of electrically heated fabrics.

## Contribution

The study introduces a hybrid binder approach to improve both conductivity and durability in e-textiles.

## Key findings

- Biobinder improves conductivity and heating performance but reduces durability.
- A-5001 binder enhances durability and flexibility but lowers conductivity.
- A hybrid binder strategy combines strengths for better overall performance.

## Abstract

The increasing demand for high-performance and durable
e-textiles
has driven the exploration of conductive coatings that combine electrical
functionality with mechanical robustness. This work presents the development
of conductive inks for e-textile applications, focusing on how binder
selection, coating architecture, and MWCNT loading govern critical
performance factors, including wettability, conductivity, Joule heating,
mechanical durability, and bending resistance. The sample surfaces
were examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy before
and after washing and rubbing cycles. The biobinder created a hydrophilic
surface with improved conductivity and enhanced electrical heating
performance. The coated fabric showed increased resistance to bending,
reduced bending durability, and lower washing and rubbing fastness.
Meanwhile, the A-5001 binder exhibited higher resistance, lower conductivity,
and lower temperatures under voltage but provided better washing and
rubbing fastness, bending durability, and improved flexibility. We
examined a hybrid approach using both binders, with the A-5001 binder
applied in the first and third layers to improve durability and flexibility
and the OC-Biobinder used as the middle layer to enhance conductivity
and Joule heating. This approach utilizes the complementary properties
of both the binders, enhancing the performance and providing a robust
pathway toward durable and functional e-textiles.