My project focuses on the development of sustainable, biodegradable materials for use in wearable electronic textiles (e-textiles), with a specific emphasis on conductive inks and encapsulating materials that can be safely disintegrated or recycled at the end of product life. The overarching goal is to advance the field of wearable electronics by integrating functionality with environmental responsibility. The research will involve:

• Designing and synthesizing electrically conductive, biodegradable polymer composites for use as printed conductive tracks.

• Developing ink formulations compatible with inkjet printing onto biodegradable textile substrates.

• Investigating encapsulation strategies using eco-friendly materials to protect electronics while maintaining biodegradability.

• Exploring degradation pathways (chemical, enzymatic, or physical) of the e-textiles to ensure end-of-life disintegration into non-toxic products.

• Evaluating chemical recovery and reuse strategies for any non-degradable components, such as Bluetooth modules or sensors.

• Characterizing materials using a suite of analytical and surface engineering tools available within the department.

This project focuses on developing sustainable wearable e-textiles for the remote monitoring of patients with atrial fibrillation. There are no military, dual-use, or sensitive security aspects associated with this project. The research is designed purely for civilian applications, particularly within healthcare and environmental sustainability sectors. All work will be conducted in compliance with UK health, safety, and environmental standards.

My project focused on the development of multifunctional natural, synthetic, blended, and recycled fabrics using Ag/TiO2 and chitosan-TiO₂ nano-solution.

The research involved:

• Developing natural cellulosic fabric and recycled cellulosic fabrics with antimicrobial, UV-resistant, and superhydrophobic properties by Ag/TiO2 nano-solution using the dip-coating method.

• Developing natural, synthetic, and blended fabrics with excellent antimicrobial reduction, UV resistance, superhydrophobicity, and excellent colorfastness against washing, rubbing, and light by chitosan/TiO2 nano-solution using both the dip-coating and pad-dry-cure methods.

• Investigating the dyeing/coloration properties, including colorfastness against washing, rubbing, light, and color strength (K/S) of 20%, 30%, and 40% recycled cellulosic fabrics using reactive dye as a colorant.

This project focused on developing smart fabrics for healthcare. There were no military, dual-use, or sensitive security aspects associated with this project. The research was designed purely for civilian applications, particularly within healthcare and environmental sustainability sectors. All work was conducted in compliance with Bangladesh health, safety, and environmental standards.

References:

Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3