Surface micro-dissolution process for embedding carbon nanotubes on cotton fabric as a conductive textile

A facile and original method of embedding carboxylated multiwall carbon nanotube (CCNTs) by a surface micro-dissolution process on cotton fabrics is proposed. Carboxylated multiwall carbon nanotube/cotton composites (CCNT/cotton composites) were created by embedding carbon nanotubes in the surface layer of cotton fabrics. The fabrics were treated in a NaOH/urea aqueous system under low temperature, allowing the incorporation of the CCNTs into the surface layer of the fabrics via a surface micro-dissolution technique. The composite fabrics were subjected to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and four-point probe resistivity measurements to investigate their structural, morphological, and component properties, degradation temperature, and conductivity. The results show that CCNT/cotton composites have electrical conductivity.