Fabric Electrochromics, Spandex and Nonwovens

Many advancements in electrochromics have been made over the decades, including adaptation of electrochromics to textiles. Many facotrs come into play when adapting electrochromics applied to rough, high surface area textiles that would bend and stretch. Further, the construction and implementation of such devices needs serious consideration for end use. Implementation of our very low sheet resistance polyethylenedioxythiophene-polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT-PSS) prepared by our published screen printing and PEDOT/PSS phase segregation onto both spandex and unwoven synthetic leather, coupled with our conjugated polymer precursor technology, along with hole-through PEDOT-PSS connections, allowed for the construction of electrochromic displays on the front side of fabric while having electrical connections on the back. Here, we will discuss our open-air robust electrochromic fabric display technique, and the research necessary to adapt a technology from a relatively low surface area application using flat substrates to a very high surface textile having the ability to stretch and bend. The logic behind the choices made for electrical conductor, electrochromic material, electrolyte, and protective coating to seal the device, yet provide a fabric-feel, will be presented as well.