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Graphene oxide (GO) was in-situ reduced on cotton fabrics by a simple heat treatment, which endowed cotton fabrics with multi-functions. GO was coated on the surface of cotton fabric through a conventional “dip and dry” approach. Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was obtained from GO in the presence of cotton by heating under the protection of nitrogen. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to characterize the complexes of RGO and cotton (RGO/cotton). The RGO/cotton fabrics showed good electrical conductivity, surface hydrophobicity and ultraviolet (UV) protection properties. These properties did not deteriorate significantly after repeated fabric bending and washing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofibers are ideal for the fabrication of fiber-based sensors owing to the wide applicability of such sensors in various fields. However, achieving high sensitivity and excellent tensile properties while maintaining high electrical conductivity in such sensors is difficult. This study proposes a simple fabrication method for a helical conductive yarn, core–sheath helical yarn (CSHY), in which the electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) /boron nitride (BN) film is used as the fibrous material and coated with a liquid metal (LM), EGaIn. The fiber is then stretched and twisted to obtain the CSHY with high sensitivity, tensile stability, and durability as well as fast response and recovery. Experimental results show that the sensor fabricated by weaving the CSHY has a water contact angle of 143.2°, indicating that it can be used for human motion monitoring and underwater applications. In addition, the LM has excellent electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity and exhibits a synergistic effect with BN that is uniformly arranged along the fiber length. Thus, the fabric-based sensor exhibits excellent heat-dissipation, temperature-sensing, and electric-heating performances. Consequently, the proposed multifunctional smart yarn exhibits excellent strain sensing, self-controlled thermal management, and hydrophobic performance, with potential applications in future wearable electronics. • A strain sensitive and multifunctional smart yarn was fabricated with a core–sheath helical structure. • The yarn exhibited excellent strain sensing performance even underwater. • Potential applications include temperature monitoring, thermal management and joule heating were demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the strong application potential of graphene in various areas, incorporation of graphene into fibrous system for durable, flexible and reliable wearable applications is still of challenge. We hereby propose the fabrication of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on PET fabrics through polydopamine (PDA) templating. Dopamine was self-polymerized on PET fabrics to for a PDA layer as a secondary platform for loading graphene oxide (GO) via vacuum filtration, and the as-prepared PET/PDA/GO was immediately reduced to PET/PDA/rGO by hot-pressing. The surface morphology, structure and properties were investigated with the mechanism proposed. The UV protective property and electrical conductivity of the prepared PET/PDA/rGO together with the durability against washing and bending and twisting were studied, and the application of the coated fabrics as wearable sensor was demonstrated. • Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on PET fabrics was achieved through polydopamine templating. • The coating was completed via vacuum filtration followed by hot-pressing reduction. • PET/PDA/rGO showed excellent UV protective property and electrical conductivity. • The PET/PDA/rGO showed durability against washing, bending and twisting. • The application of the coated fabrics as wearable sensor was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]