Digital printing of electroluminescent devices on textile substrates

Abstract

Alternating current–driven electroluminescent devices on polyester fabrics were realized using a combination of coating and printing. The PEDOT:PSS front electrode was coated onto the fabric using knife coating. All other layers were digitally printed using a specially modified three-dimensional printer and three-dimensional printing software. Slicing parameters (line distance, printing speed, printing pattern) as well as other hardware parameters and ink viscosity were evaluated for each ink to obtain a good print. Final results show a complex interaction of all investigated parameters. Fully digitally printed electroluminescent devices show a luminescence of 44 lx, but combinations of digital printing and knife coating show a much higher luminescence of up to 128 lx for samples with an even smaller luminous layer thickness.

3D printing technology for textiles and fashion

“…The Figure 33 shows different infill patterns applicable with additive manufacturing. It influences the print impression [181]. The amount of material in the sanctum of the 3DP part accounts for the infill density and percentage.…”

Use of Field Concentration for Electroluminescent Devices

“…As an alternative, electroluminescent (EL) technologies can be integrated in a facile manner into alternating current (AC)-powered soft electronic devices. [2] Compared to LEDs and OLEDs, alternating current electroluminescent (ACEL) device technology is still considered particularly promising for flat and flexible large-area light sources. [8] In EL devices, light emission results from phosphorescent materials in an alternating electric field.…”

“…Copper (Cu) doping in ZnS results in a blue-green light, manganese (Mn) doping in a red light, and aluminum (Al) doping in a blue light. [2,9,10,[12][13][14][15] Copper-doped zinc sulfide (ZnS:Cu) has been studied extensively and its working principle is thoroughly understood, making it an excellent candidate for use in ACEL devices. [15] However, the use of dopants produces weak spots in the luminescent powder, as some of the doping atoms and the ZnS itself can be oxidized or start hydrolyzing over time, causing the ACEL device to degrade.…”

“…[18] Finally, printed EL devices have also been reported. [2] Regardless of the preparation process used, material choice is crucially important when making EL devices. Since ACEL devices are prepared with an EL layer in the middle, the electrode placed on top of that layer needs to be transparent.…”

3D-printing on textiles – an investigation on adhesion properties of the produced composite materials

“…3D printing can be also used as tool for application of conductive layers and the fixation of electronic components on textile surfaces, which can find applications in smart textiles [11][12][13][14]. A very fascinating application in this field is the realization of printed electroluminescent devices on textile materials [15]. 3D printing on textiles is also discussed as a first step to realize 4D textile materials [16].…”