Superhydrophobic, self-cleaning MWCNT/Ferrite/Ni Chain/PDMS-coated cotton fabrics for wearable applications: Electromagnetic shielding and underwater alerts

Developing multifunctional fabrics with high performance and durability in extreme climatic conditions compared to traditional functional textiles is one of the major challenges in the field of wearable technologies. This work presents an approach to integrate conductive fillers, such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and magnetic fillers, such as ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) and nickel nanochains (Ni NCs), for developing multifunctional conductive textiles that can be used in applications related to human movement monitoring and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. To ensure service durability under harsh conditions, the prepared composite surface was further optimized by coating it with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This optimized combination of conductive and magnetic fillers imparted the fabric with excellent electrical conductivity and the ability to sense even subtle movements with high sensitivity, making it ideal for precision motion sensing. In addition, the fabric achieved exceptional EMI shielding effectiveness of up to 54 dB at X-band (8.2–12.8 dB) frequencies. The PDMS coating further provided biocompatibility and breathability, in addition to maintaining the fabric's electrical performance even under harsh conditions, thereby ensuring both functionality and wearer comfort. With its feature set of superhydrophobicity, flexibility, and robust electrical conductivity, the fabric's ability to generate and transmit Morse code through mechanical deformations underwater highlights its potential for use in emergency signaling applications. This versatile material opens new avenues for the development of next-generation wearable electronics with integrated functionalities that are suited to diverse environmental conditions.