Advanced TPU/ZnS:Al Flexible Film with Thermo-Force-Optical Response for Smart Clothing

Abstract

With the continuous development of science and technology, smart sensing wearables have gradually entered people’s lives. However, the prepared wearable material has poor air permeability, poor fit, and does not have multiple modal excitations. In addition, it is not waterproof or even wearable at low temperatures. In this work, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and ZnS:Al composite film with excellent air permeability has been developed. The TPU/ZnS:Al flexible film can be prepared on a large scale by solution blow spinning (SBS). This fiber membrane can realize the dual response of temperature and stress, and cooperate with the light sensor to realize the transmission of intelligent information. This nanofiber membrane doped with ZnS:Al exhibits a uniform distribution, maintains excellent tensile properties and flexibility, and can adapt to any perfect shape of the fitting surface. Even the average air permeability can be as high as 300 mm s−1, which is 600 times that of conventional spraying methods. The Al introduced in ZnS:Al can stimulate the composite film to emit light, and the luminescence effect can be maintained for about 1 min. These results provide new ideas for the large-scale fabrication of integrated stimulus-responsive photosensitive intelligent wearable devices for various applications.