ABSTRACT
Carbon-based conducting nanomaterials, such as carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, and graphene, are extensively researched for the development of nanocomposite coatings in different smart textile applications. Several carbon-based coatings are used in polymers, fabrics, fibers, or yarns to produce conductive textiles. The major challenge in nanocomposites is to achieve a good and uniform dispersion of nanomaterials in the polymeric resin during nanocomposite production. Carbon-based conducting threads are encapsulated for preserving the efficacy and quality of textiles. Carbon nanomaterials are widely researched for high-performance polymer nanocomposites for their unique mechanical, electrical, thermal, corrosion resistance, optical, and responsive properties. Carbon-loaded elastomeric sensors were developed by using carbon black powder filled in a silicon matrix and further coated on yarns. Different types of strain sensors have been developed for different smart textile applications by assembling carbon-based materials on different insulating polymers. Carbon nanoparticle–based coatings and inks are extensively researched globally, and such smart textile products will be commercialized in the near future.
