Flexible and conductive smart textiles with Impranil® PUDs
Funded by Germany’s Industrielle Gemeinschaftsforschung (IGF), FILK and Optotransmitter-Umweltschutz-Technologie (OUT e.V.) collaborated to develop polymer-based conductive textile compounds with a broad potential field. These compounds allow for flexible electronics to be implemented directly into textile materials – eliminating conventional wiring and delivering more scalable, flexible smart textile composites.
In collaboration with OUT e.V., we developed an innovative approach to smart textiles by combining Impranil® PUDs from Covestro with carbon nanotubes. We achieved flexible, conductive polymer surfaces that support intelligent control of embedded sensors and LEDs, opening new possibilities.
One key application was a sensor-controlled neonatal jaundice bodysuit for phototherapy. Current treatments rely on blue light (~455 nm) in hospital incubators. A flexible bodysuit integrating LEDs and sensors could continuously monitor and adjust therapy in real time, enabling outpatient treatment.
With Impranil® PUDs forming the conductive layer, we applied electronic components and LEDs directly onto the entire surface. Together with FILK, we enabled a new class of smart textiles for serious, real-world applications featuring distributed electronics and real-time communication.
Beyond neonatal phototherapy bodysuits, Impranil® PUD-based formulations can support smart textile applications across sportswear, cosmetics, automotive, protective wear occupational equipment and more.
Our Impranil® water-based polyurethane dispersions gave FILK and OUT the flexibility, high elongation, and processability their conductive textile platform demanded. It enabled smart textile solutions with integrated functionality and real-time monitoring across a wide range of applications.
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Key benefits
- Flexible: High-elongation conductive films maintain performance under mechanical stress.
- Conducts uniformly: Potential field enables wiring-free integration of LEDs and sensors.
- Smart functionality: Supports real-time sensing, control, and communication within textile systems.
- Versatile: Suitable for healthcare, sportswear, automotive, and IoT wearable applications.
- Water-based: Impranil® PUDs support digital printing and scalable manufacturing.
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