Antibacterial, flexible, and conductive membrane based on MWCNTs/Ag coated electro-spun PLA nanofibrous scaffolds as wearable fabric for body motion sensing

Abstract

In the present study, flexible and conductive nanofiber membranes were prepared by coating PLA nanofibrous scaolds with carbon nanotubes and silver nanoparticles. The morphology and structure of the prepared membrane was characterized, as well as its mechanical properties, electrical sensing behavior during consecutive stretching-releasing cycles and human motion detecting performance. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of the membrane was also investigated. Due to the synergistic and interconnected three-dimensional (3D) conductive networks, formed by carbon nanotubes and silver nanoparticles, the membrane exhibited repeatable and durable strain-dependent sensitivity. Further, the prepared membrane could accurately detect the motions of dierent body parts. Accompanied with promising antibacterial properties and washing fastness, the prepared flexible and conductive membrane provides great application potential as a wearable fabric for real-time body motion sensing.