Fabric Definition:
Conductive fabric is a textile engineered to conduct electricity, using metallic fibers, coatings, or conductive polymers, used in EMI shielding, smart textiles, heating elements, and wearable electronics.
Composition:
Polyester, Nylon, Cotton, with conductive materials: silver, copper, nickel, carbon, conductive polymers (PEDOT, polyaniline), stainless steel, or graphene
Texture:
Smooth, metallic or dark (carbon) sheen, flexible, can be soft or stiff, conductive feel, often grey, silver, or black
Stretch Level:
Low to Moderate (base fabric stretch; conductive coatings may limit)
Fabric Construction:
Woven, Knitted, Nonwoven, with conductive yarns or coatings, often with elastane for flexibility
GSM Range:
100-400 GSM (light to heavy; 150-300 GSM for apparel and shielding)
Breathability:
Moderate to Low (base fabric breathable; coatings reduce)
Moisture Management:
Low (conductive materials are hydrophobic; base fabric may wick)
Durability:
Moderate (conductive fibers durable; coatings can flake; abrasion reduces conductivity)
Thermal Properties:
Moderate; metals are thermally conductive; carbon is insulating
Key Usage Areas:
EMI/RFI shielding, Smart textiles, Wearable electronics, Medical electrodes, Heating garments, Data transmission, Military, Aerospace
EMI shielding, medical (ECG/EEG electrodes), military, aerospace, automotive, robotics, data transfer, smart packaging