Delaware Patent of the Month – February 2022
Polymer Thick-Film (PTF) is a simple method of making cheap and reliable electronic circuits on printed circuit board (PCB) material. PTF circuits have been used as electrical elements for a long time. PTF pastes can be easily printed as dried films which have considerable resistive properties. DuPont Electronics, Inc. has used their world-class knowledge of PCB manufacturing and materials to modify these PTF circuits to be used in clothing.
These modifications have introduced a flexibility and stretchability that allows them to move with fabric. It also ensures they can survive multiple wash and dry cycles without losing any conductivity. Their design uses a combination of conductive carbon black powder and organic mediums such as thermoplastic polyurethane resin.
This PTF composition can be used for wearable heaters. This could be a simple solution for heated seats in a car, or heated gloves in the winter. Beyond this, stretchable and durable circuits can be used in near endless applications.
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