Thermochromic textile sensors for temperature measurements

Jaszczak-Kuligowska, Malwina ; Sasiadek-Andrzejczak, Elzbieta ; Safandowska, Marta ; Kozicki, Marek ; Madiedo, Laura Florentino (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Barburski, Marcin ; Ranz, David ; Mallada, Reyes (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: This study presents woollen textiles printed with thermochromic pigments by the screen-printing method for use as new sensors for temperature measurements. The sensors demonstrate reversible colour changes due to temperature variations, which were measured using reflectance spectrophotometry. The beginning of thermal activation of the pigment is registered below 23 °C, the main action takes place in the range of 30–45 °C, and its complete discolouration occurs at 50 °C. The uniformity of the print and pigment distribution on the fabric surface was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, a comprehensive chemical analysis of the commercially available thermochromic pigment was performed using elemental analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Based on this research, it was determined that the pigment has a spirobenzoxadiazine core structure with amide and imine functional groups. The paper also discusses potential applications of the developed sensors, highlighting their promise as temperature sensors, as well as security, marking, and decorative elements, usable independently or as a part of a composite. Additionally, their potential for two-dimensional temperature distribution measurements was indicated.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2025.118698

Año: 2026

Publicado en: MEASUREMENT 257 (2026), 118698 [16 pp.]
ISSN: 0263-2241

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EC/H2020/101079009/EU/SUSTainable industrial DESIGN of TEXtile structures for composites/SustDesignTex

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Ingeniería Química (Dpto. Ing.Quím.Tecnol.Med.Amb.)