UV curable PUA ink with polymerizable surfactant-enhanced Ag@PPy for fabricating flexible and durable conductive coating on the surface of cotton fabric

In this study, a stable silver@polypyrrole (Ag@PPy) composite was prepared with the help of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and polymerizable surfactant ammonium allyloxynonylphenol ethoxylate (DNS-86). It was then combined with polyurethane acrylate (PUA) to prepare a conductive ink and applied on the surface of cotton fabric. By an energy-saving and sustainable UV curing method, the ink was effectively fixed to fabricate flexible and durable textile. The effects of DNS-86 on the properties of Ag@PPy composite were investigated and the results showed that DNS-86 could reduce its size, make its distribution more uniform and improve its stability. Then, the effects of DNS-86 on the performance of conductive coating on fabric were analyzed by measuring the resistance and water contact angle, revealing that DNS-86 could participate in the UV film-forming reaction of PUA molecules, so as to optimize the film structure for higher conductivity. Finally, the effect of DNS-86 on the flexibility and durability of conductive coating were evaluated. The results indicated that DNS-86 could improve the structural integrity and toughness of PUA film, enhance the adhesion between conductive coating and cotton surface, and make it more resistant to various environmental erosions.