A multiple flame-retardant, early fire-warning, and highly sensitive thread-shaped all-fabric-based piezoresistive sensor

• Published in: Science China. Technological sciences 2024, Vol.67 (4), p.1151-1159
• Main Authors: Li, WeiBiao, Zhang, Shuai, Ma, ShuQi, Wang, JiaCheng, Wang, Huan, Yang, QiRong, Song, YongTao, Zhu, Jie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alarm systems; Artificial intelligence; Carbon nanotubes; Engineering; Fire alarm systems; Fire prevention; Fire protection; Fire resistance; Fireproofing; Flame retardants; Glass fibers; Internet of Things; Nickel plating; Physical training; Piezoresistivity; Sensitivity; Stability
• ISSN: 1674-7321; 1869-1900
• DOI: 10.1007/s11431-023-2533-8

In the artificial intelligence age, multifunctional and intelligent fireproof fabric-based electronics are urgently needed. Herein, a novel thread-shaped all-fabric-based piezoresistive sensor (denoted as TAFPS) with properties such as flame retardancy, fire-warning, and piezoresistivity is proposed, which is composed of an inner nickel-plated fabric electrode, a multifunctional double helix fabric, and an external flame-retardant encapsulation fabric. Owing to the multiple flame-retardant properties of glass fiber tubular fabric, aminated carbon nanotubes (ACNTs), and ammonium polyphosphate, the char residue of the TAFPS reaches 40.3 wt% at 800°C. In addition, the heat-sensitive effect of ACNTs during combustion causes a rapid decrease in the TAFPS resistance, triggering the fire alarm system within 2 s. Additionally, benefiting from the force-sensitive behavior of the double helix layer and tightly wrapped pattern of the external heat-shrinkable tubular fabric, TAFPS demonstrated a high sensitivity of 4.40 kPa −1 (0–5.81 kPa) and good stability for 10000 s. Considering its excellent flame resistance, high sensitivity, and agreeable stability, the developed TAFPS can be integrated into fire suits to monitor the exercise training process and the external fire environment. This work offers a novel approach for fabricating all-fabric-based piezoresistive sensors in the future for fire prevention and fire alarms, with promising applications in fire protection, the Internet of Things, and smart apparel.