Dupont has unveiled a new range of “stretchable electronic ink materials” that can be used in smart clothing for heart monitoring, counting calories burnt and other wearable electronics applications, creating thin, form-fitting circuits that can be seamlessly bonded into many standard fabrics. The inks are printed on thermoplastic polyurethane in a layered system comprising conductors, sensors and encapsulants for electrical insulation. They can interface with various devices for power supply, signal processing and communication. Offering a manufacturing-ready alternative to more traditional ways of embedding electronics, the innovation is described as a step to make it easier to design, produce, wear and wash smart clothing. Dupont says that these inks provide stable performance despite repeated elongation. The technology is already used by companies such as Clothing+, a developer and manufacturer of wearable sensor solutions for brands in the sports and medical sectors.

Topics