A webinar on conductive polymer-coated fabrics was organized by NISTI. The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. R.A. Lal, NISTI Chairman, followed by the introduction of the keynote speaker, Ms. Smita Deogaonkar-Baride, by Shri A.N. Bajpai, Jt. Secretary, NISTI.
Ms. Smita, a Senior Scientific Officer at BTRA, Mumbai, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the research and development of conductive fabrics. She elucidated the process of imparting conductivity to fabrics using polymers, metal fibers, and carbon nanotubes and discussed various applications such as anti-static clothing, EMI shielding, and heating elements. A comparative analysis of traditional and modern conductivity methods was presented, highlighting the advantages of using carbon materials and conducting polymers like polypyrrole and polyaniline.
The speaker emphasized the potential of integrating conductive textiles with smart technologies and the need for exploring alternative materials and commercialization strategies.
A panel of experts, including Prof. (Dr.) V.K. Kothari, Mr. Ashok Desai, Dr. Kuldeep Sharma, Dr. Vinod Shanbhag, and Shri Arvind Upadhyay, offered valuable insights and suggestions. The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session moderated by Dr. Surendra Kumar.
Dr. R.A. Lal concluded the webinar by announcing the upcoming NISTI-IIT Delhi conference on "Sustainability in Textiles and Clothing" scheduled for December 14, 2024. He encouraged participants to attend and support the event.
The webinar showcased BTRA's expertise in conductive fabrics and generated significant interest among participants.