Electronic textiles offer promising applications in wearable technology. However, integrating electronic compounds into fabrics remains a challenge due to sustainability and material compatibility concerns. This research investigates sustainable methods for printing electronic compounds onto textiles using various digital printing technologies. The present study focuses on inkjet printing of a water-based PEDOT:PSS formulation to achieve reliable electrical performance while preserving the mechanical and tactile properties of the fabric.

Inkjet printing was selected for its precision of material deposition on the surface of the substrate, reduced water consumption compared to traditional dyeing methods and scalability to industrial production. A conductive ink formulation was developed and optimized to meet the rheological requirements of commercial inkjet printheads. The formulation combines polyethylene glycol as a conductivity enhancer and viscosity modifier, deionized water as a dispersion medium, and isopropanol to reduce surface tension and improve drying behaviour.

To evaluate the influence of material deposition on electrical behaviour, the ink was printed on polyester-based textile substrates using multiple pass counts. An inverse correlation was observed between the number of printed layers and electrical resistance, demonstrating that increased material deposition enhances conductivity. The printed textiles retained their stretchability, breathability, and lightweight nature.

These results highlight the importance of formulation design and controlled deposition strategies in achieving functional, printable conductive layers on textile substrates. The ability to fine-tune conductivity through controlled deposition—without compromising textile integrity—represent an advancement in wearable electronics. This work contributes to the growing field of printable electronics and offer a sustainable solution for industry, with potential applications in sportswear and interactive garments.