Conductive polymer conductor and method for producing the same

Abstract

To provide a conductive polymer conductor allowing for improvement of washing durability thereof, and a method of producing the same.SOLUTION: A conductive polymer conductor 10 has a conductive polymer 12 attached to a base material 11. The base material 11 includes at least one kind of silk, cotton, and synthetic fiber. The conductive polymer 12 is poly 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene to which an iron salt of p-toluene sulfonic acid has been added. The conductive polymer 12 is obtained by polymerizing a monomer of the poly 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene at a ratio of 1 mole or less of the monomer of the poly 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene relative to 1 mole of the iron salt of p-toluene sulfonic acid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conductive polymer conductor using a conductive polymer and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, conductive polymer fibers in which a conductive polymer such as PEDOT-PSS {poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonic acid)} is attached to a substrate made of silk have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Since this conductive polymer fiber has conductivity, hydrophilicity, tensile strength, and water resistance, it can be particularly used as a material for a biological electrode.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, conventional conductive polymer fibers have a problem that when washing is repeated, the conductive polymer on the surface peels off and the conductivity decreases.

[0005] The present invention has been made based on such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a conductive polymer conductor capable of improving washing durability and a method for manufacturing the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first conductive polymer conductor of the present invention is one in which a conductive polymer is attached to a substrate. The substrate contains at least one of silk, cotton, and synthetic fiber. The conductive polymer is poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with iron p-toluenesulfonate added as an oxidizing agent and a dopant. The ratio of iron p-toluenesulfonate to the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is polymerized with the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) being 1 mol or less per 1 mol of iron p-toluenesulfonate. It has a coating film crosslinked with an aqueous crosslinking agent on the surface of the conductive polymer.

[0007] The second conductive polymer conductor of the present invention is one in which a conductive polymer is attached to a substrate. The substrate contains at least one of silk, cotton, and synthetic fiber. The conductive polymer is poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with iron p-toluenesulfonate added as an oxidizing agent and a dopant. Among poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), the ratio of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) coordinated with iron p-toluenesulfonate is the area ratio of the peak of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) obtained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to the peak of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) coordinated with iron p-toluenesulfonate, and is 10% or more and 50% or less. It has a coating film crosslinked with an aqueous crosslinking agent on the surface of the conductive polymer.

[0008] The method for manufacturing a conductive polymer conductor of the present invention is to produce a conductive polymer conductor in which a conductive polymer composed of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with an iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid added as an oxidizing agent and a dopant is adhered to a substrate containing at least one of silk, cotton, and synthetic fibers. The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is formed by applying a mixed solution containing ethanol as a solvent, an iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid, and a monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) to the substrate, and polymerizing the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid. The ratio of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid to the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) during polymerization is 1 mol or less of the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) per 1 mol of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid. After forming the conductive polymer, a coating film crosslinked with an aqueous crosslinking agent is formed on the surface of the conductive polymer.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the first conductive polymer conductor of the present invention, since the conductive polymer is composed of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with an iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid added, and the ratio of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid to the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is polymerized with 1 mol or less of the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) per 1 mol of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid, the conductivity and washing resistance can be improved. In addition, since the surface of the conductive polymer has a coating film crosslinked with an aqueous crosslinking agent, the washing resistance and rubbing fastness can be improved.

[0010] According to the second conductive polymer conductor of the present invention, the conductive polymer is poly3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene to which an iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid has been added, and the proportion of poly3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene coordinated with the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid in the poly3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene is 10% or more and 50% or less, so that the conductivity and washing resistance can be improved. Also, the surface of the conductive polymer has a coating film crosslinked with an aqueous crosslinking agent, so that the washing resistance and friction fastness can be improved.

[0011] Furthermore, if the base material contains synthetic fibers having a modified cross section, it is possible to improve the washing resistance and the abrasion fastness.

[0012] According to the method for producing a conductive polymer conductor of the present invention, a mixed solution containing ethanol as a solvent, an iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid, and a poly3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene monomer is applied to a substrate, and the ratio of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid and the poly3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene monomer during polymerization is set to 1 mole of the poly3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene monomer per mole of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid, thereby obtaining the conductive polymer conductor of the present invention and improving the conductivity and washing resistance. Also, a coating film crosslinked with a water-based crosslinking agent is formed on the surface of the conductive polymer, thereby improving the washing resistance and friction fastness.

[0013] In particular, when the molar ratio of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid to the poly3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene monomer during polymerization (iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid:poly3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene monomer) is within the range of 1:0.2 to 1:0.6, the electrical conductivity and washing resistance can be improved.

[0014] In addition, the electrical conductivity and washing resistance can be improved by repeatedly applying a mixed solution containing ethanol as a solvent, an iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid, and a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) monomer to the substrate and polymerizing the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) monomer through the action of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid.

[0015] Furthermore, by including synthetic fibers having a modified cross section in the substrate, it is possible to improve wash resistance and abrasion fastness. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a conductive polymer conductor 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This conductive polymer conductor 10 is obtained by attaching a conductive polymer 12 to a base material 11, and can be used, for example, as a conductive polymer electrode.

[0019] The material constituting the base material 11 may be any material, but fibers are preferable, and for example, those containing at least one of natural fibers such as silk and cotton, and chemical fibers such as synthetic fibers are preferable. This is because they are excellent in productivity and stretchability. In particular, if synthetic fibers having a deformed cross-section (i.e., deformed cross-section yarns) are included, the conductive polymer 12 also adheres between the fibers, which is preferable because the washing resistance can be enhanced.

[0020] The shape of the base material 11 is preferably, for example, filamentous, cloth-like, or sheet-like. In the case of cloth-like or sheet-like, it may be any of woven fabric, knitted fabric, or non-woven fabric. A non-woven fabric is a sheet-like material in which fibers are entangled without being woven, and is obtained by adhering or entangling fibers by heat, mechanical, or chemical action. When the base material 11 is filamentous, the filamentous conductive polymer conductor 10 obtained by attaching the conductive polymer 12 to the base material 11 may be used as it is, or it may be formed into a cloth-like or sheet-like shape and used.

[0021] As the conductive polymer 12, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (hereinafter referred to as PEDOT) added with an iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid (hereinafter referred to as pTS) is preferable. That is, the conductive polymer 12 contains pTS and PEDOT. pTS functions as an oxidizing agent when polymerizing the monomer of PEDOT, that is, 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (hereinafter referred to as EDOT), and also functions as a dopant for expressing conductivity in PEDOT.

[0022] It is preferable that PEDOT is polymerized with the ratio of pTS to the monomer of PEDOT (i.e., EDOT) being 1 mole or less of the monomer of PEDOT per 1 mole of pTS. This is because the washing resistance can be improved by polymerizing at this ratio. In particular, it is preferable to set the ratio of pTS to the monomer of PEDOT (pTS: monomer of PEDOT) within the range of 1:0.2 to 1:0.6 in terms of molar ratio, as the conductivity and washing resistance can be further improved.

[0023] Also, by polymerizing at such a ratio, the ratio of PEDOT coordinated with pTS among the PEDOT of the conductive polymer 12 can be made 10% or more and 50% or less. By configuring in this way, the washing resistance can be improved and the conductivity can also be increased, which is preferable. The ratio of PEDOT coordinated with pTS among PEDOT can be determined, for example, from the area ratio between the peak of PEDOT obtained by XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) and the peak of PEDOT coordinated with pTS.

[0024] The ratio of the conductive polymer 12 in the conductive polymer conductor 10 is preferably, for example, 5% by mass to 20% by mass.

[0025] The conductive polymer 12 may be formed on the entire surface of the base material 11 or may be formed on a part thereof. For example, when the base material 11 is in the form of a thread, as shown in Fig. 1(A), it may be formed on the entire surface of the base material 11. When the base material 11 is in the form of a cloth or a sheet, as shown in Fig. 1(B), it may be formed on one side, and although not shown, it may also be formed on both sides. Also, the conductive polymer 12 may adhere to the surface of the base material 11 or may penetrate into the surface of the base material 11.

[0026] Further, as shown in FIG. 1(C), the conductive polymer conductor 10 preferably has a coating film 13 crosslinked with an aqueous crosslinking agent on the surface of the conductive polymer 12. This is because the washing resistance can be further improved. An aqueous crosslinking agent is a water-soluble crosslinking agent, and examples thereof include isocyanate-based crosslinking agents containing isocyanate.

[0027] This conductive polymer conductor 10 can be produced, for example, by attaching a conductive polymer 12 containing PEDOT added with pTS to a substrate 11. PEDOT is formed by polymerizing EDOT with pTS. Specifically, for example, a mixed solution containing EDOT, which is a monomer of PEDOT, pTS, which is an oxidizing agent and a dopant, and ethanol, which is a solvent, is applied to the substrate 11, and EDOT is polymerized by the action of pTS. The ratio of pTS to the monomer of PEDOT during polymerization is preferably 1 mol or less of the monomer of PEDOT with respect to 1 mol of pTS, and more preferably within the range of 1:0.2 to 1:0.6 in terms of the molar ratio of pTS:PEDOT monomer. This is because the conductivity and washing resistance can be improved.

[0028] The solvent preferably contains ethanol. The ratio of pTS to the total of the solvent and pTS (pTS / pTS + solvent) is preferably within the range of 10% by mass to 60% by mass, and more preferably within the range of 20% by mass to 40% by mass, for example, in terms of mass%. This is because the conductivity can be further improved within this range.

[0029] Note that the mixed solution containing EDOT, pTS, and the solvent may further contain a thickening agent. The thickening agent is for suppressing the spread when the mixed solution is applied by increasing the viscosity, reducing the bleeding of the conductive polymer 12, and promoting the polymerization reaction of EDOT. As the thickening agent, those that do not react with the polymerization reaction of EDOT are preferable, and examples thereof preferably include glycerol, polyethylene glycol, gelatin, or polysaccharides.

[0030] Also, when polymerizing EDOT, heating may be performed, but it is preferable to carry out the reaction without heating. This is because the conductivity can be further improved without heating. Furthermore, the step of applying a mixed solution containing EDOT, pTS, and a solvent to the substrate 11 and polymerizing EDOT is preferably repeated a plurality of times, and more preferably repeated 3 times or more. This is because the conductivity and washing resistance can be further improved. Specifically, for example, (1) the step of applying a mixed solution containing EDOT, pTS, and a solvent to the substrate 11, (2) the step of polymerizing EDOT, (3) the step of washing with water, and (4) the step of drying are performed in this order, and furthermore, it is preferable to repeat the steps (1) to (4) in order once or a plurality of times.

[0031] Furthermore, after forming the conductive polymer 12, it is preferable to form a coating film 13 obtained by crosslinking an aqueous crosslinking agent on the surface of the conductive polymer 12. This is because the washing resistance can be improved. The coating film 13 can be formed, for example, by applying an aqueous crosslinking agent to the surface of the conductive polymer 12 and then performing a heat treatment. The heat treatment preferably includes, for example, a drying treatment for drying and then a firing treatment for firing.

[0032] Thus, according to the conductive polymer conductor 10 of the present embodiment, the conductive polymer 12 is poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) to which an iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid is added, and the ratio of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid to the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is 1 mol or less of the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) per 1 mol of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid. Since it is polymerized, the conductivity and washing resistance can be improved.

[0033] Also, the conductive polymer 12 is poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) to which an iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid is added, and the ratio of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) in which the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid is coordinated is 10% or more and 50% or less. Since it is configured in this way, the conductivity and washing resistance can be improved.

[0034] Furthermore, if the base material 11 contains synthetic fibers having a non-circular cross section, or if the surface of the conductive polymer 12 has a coating film 13 crosslinked with an aqueous crosslinking agent, the washing resistance and rubbing fastness can be improved.

[0035] According to the method for producing a conductive polymer conductor of the present embodiment, a mixed solution containing ethanol as a solvent, an iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid, and a monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is applied to the base material 11, and the ratio of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid to the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) during polymerization is set such that the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is 1 mol or less with respect to 1 mol of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid. Therefore, the conductive polymer conductor 10 according to the present embodiment can be obtained, and the conductivity and washing resistance can be improved.

[0036] In particular, if the ratio (iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid: monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid to the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) during polymerization is within the range of 1:0.2 to 1:0.6 in terms of molar ratio, the conductivity and washing resistance can be improved.

[0037] In addition, if a mixed solution containing ethanol as a solvent, an iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid, and a monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is applied to the base material 11, and the step of polymerizing the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) by the action of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid is repeated a plurality of times, the conductivity and washing resistance can be improved.

[0038] Furthermore, if the base material 11 contains synthetic fibers having a non-circular cross section, or if a coating film 13 crosslinked with an aqueous crosslinking agent is formed on the surface of the conductive polymer 12, the washing resistance and rubbing fastness can be improved.

Example

[0039] (Examples 1-1 to 1-5) As the base material 11, silk cloth (100% silk) was used, and a mixed solution of an EDOT solution which is a monomer of PEDOT, a pTS solution which is an oxidizing agent and a dopant, and ethanol which is a solvent was applied, heated at 40°C for 6 minutes, and then kept in a room at 25°C and 60% humidity for 2 hours to polymerize EDOT and deposit the conductive polymer 12. The ratio of pTS to EDOT (pTS:EDOT) was changed in Examples 1-1 to 1-5, and in molar ratio, Example 1-1 was 1:0.2, Example 1-2 was 1:0.4, Example 1-3 was 1:0.6, Example 1-4 was 1:0.8, and Example 1-5 was 1:1. The ratio of pTS to the total of ethanol and pTS was 30% by mass. The size of the base material 11 was 40 mm × 50 mm, and the number of times of applying the mixed solution was 3 times.

[0040] For each of the obtained conductive polymer conductors 10, washing was performed from 1 to 10 times, and the sheet resistance was measured before washing (i.e., 0 times of washing) and after each washing to examine the change in resistance due to washing. The washing method was the JIS 0217-103 method. The sheet resistance was measured using Loresta-AX MCP-T370 manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Analytech, and the surface resistance between three points 8 mm apart was measured. The obtained results are shown in Figure 2.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, according to this example, even when washing was repeated, all were 150 Ω / sq or less, and good results were obtained. Also, the sheet resistance decreased and then increased as the molar ratio of EDOT to pTS increased, and Example 1-2 with pTS:EDOT = 1:0.4 was the smallest. Therefore, it was found that it is preferable that the amount of EDOT is 1 mole or less with respect to 1 mole of pTS, and it is more preferable that the molar ratio of pTS:EDOT is within the range of 1:0.2 to 1:0.6.

[0042] That is, it was found that it is preferable to configure the composition by polymerizing the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid and the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with the ratio of the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) being 1 mol or less per 1 mol of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid.

[0043] (Examples 2-1 to 2-5) A conductive polymer conductor 10 was produced in the same manner as in Examples 1-1 to 1-5, except that a synthetic fiber containing polyurethane elastic fiber was used as the base material 11. At that time, the ratio of pTS to EDOT (pTS:EDOT) was changed in the same manner as in Examples 1-1 to 1-5. In molar ratio, Example 2-1 was 1:0.2, Example 2-2 was 1:0.4, Example 2-3 was 1:0.6, Example 2-4 was 1:0.8, and Example 2-5 was 1:1. For Examples 2-1 to 2-5, the surface resistance was measured in the same manner as in Examples 1-1 to 1-5, and the change in resistance due to washing was examined. The results obtained are shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, according to this example, even when washing was repeated, all were 100 Ω / sq or less, and good results were obtained. Also, similar to Examples 1-1 to 1-5, the sheet resistance decreased and then increased as the molar ratio of EDOT to pTS increased, and Example 2-2 with pTS:EDOT = 1:0.4 had the lowest value.

[0044] (Examples 3-1 to 3-5) As the base material 11, except for using a polyester fiber cloth (100% polyester, circular cross-section polyester fiber), the conductive polymer conductor 10 was produced in the same manner as in Examples 1-1 to 1-5. At that time, the ratio of pTS to EDOT (pTS:EDOT) was changed in the same manner as in Examples 1-1 to 1-5. In molar ratio, Example 3-1 was 1:0.2, Example 3-2 was 1:0.4, Example 3-3 was 1:0.6, Example 3-4 was 1:0.8, and Example 3-5 was 1:1. For Examples 3-1 to 3-5, the surface resistance was measured in the same manner as in Examples 1-1 to 1-5, and the change in resistance due to washing was examined. The obtained results are shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, according to this example, even when washing was repeated, all were 250 Ω / sq or less, and good results were obtained. Also, similar to Examples 1-1 to 1-5, the sheet resistance decreased and then increased as the molar ratio of EDOT to pTS increased, and Example 3-2 with pTS:EDOT = 1:0.4 was the smallest.

[0045] (Examples 4-1 to 4-5) As the base material 11, except for using a polyester fiber woven cloth (100% polyester, polyester fiber having a cross-shaped cross-section), the conductive polymer conductor 10 was produced in the same manner as in Examples 1-1 to 1-5. At that time, the ratio of pTS to EDOT (pTS:EDOT) was changed in the same manner as in Examples 1-1 to 1-5. In molar ratio, Example 4-1 was 1:0.2, Example 4-2 was 1:0.4, Example 4-3 was 1:0.6, Example 4-4 was 1:0.8, and Example 4-5 was 1:1. For Examples 4-1 to 4-5, the surface resistance was measured in the same manner as in Examples 1-1 to 1-5, and the change in resistance due to washing was examined. The obtained results are shown in FIG. 5. According to this example, good results were obtained even when washing was repeated. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, in this example as well, similar to Examples 1-1 to 1-5, the sheet resistance decreased and then increased as the molar ratio of EDOT to pTS increased. In particular, high effects were seen in Examples 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3 where the molar ratio of pTS:EDOT was 1:0.2 to 1:0.6.

[0046] (Examples 5-1 to 5-5) As the base material 11, except that a plain cotton woven fabric (100% cotton) was used, the conductive polymer conductor 10 was produced in the same manner as in Examples 1-1 to 1-5. At that time, the ratio of pTS to EDOT (pTS:EDOT) was changed in the same manner as in Examples 1-1 to 1-5. In terms of molar ratio, Example 5-1 was 1:0.2, Example 5-2 was 1:0.4, Example 5-3 was 1:0.6, Example 5-4 was 1:0.8, and Example 5-5 was 1:1. For Examples 5-1 to 5-5, the surface resistance was measured in the same manner as in Examples 1-1 to 1-5, and the change in resistance due to washing was examined. The obtained results are shown in FIG. 6. According to this example, good results were obtained even after repeated washing. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, in this example as well, similar to Examples 1-1 to 1-5, the sheet resistance decreased and then increased as the molar ratio of EDOT to pTS increased. In particular, high effects were observed in Examples 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 where the molar ratio of pTS:EDOT was 1:0.2 to 1:0.6.

[0047] (Example 6-1) Except that the number of times of applying the mixed solution was set to 1, the conductive polymer conductor 10 was produced in the same manner as in Example 5-2 (the base material 11 was a plain cotton woven fabric (100% cotton)). The ratio of pTS to EDOT was the same as in Example 5-2, and in terms of molar ratio, pTS:EDOT = 1:0.4. For Example 6-1 as well, the surface resistance was measured in the same manner as in Example 5-2, and the change in resistance due to washing was examined. The obtained results are shown in FIG. 7 together with the results of Example 5-2. As shown in FIG. 7, according to this example, all were 80 Ω / sq or less even after repeated washing, and good results were obtained. Also, compared with Example 6-1 where the number of application times was 1, Example 5-2 where the number of application times was 3 had a lower sheet resistance and was more stable.

[0048] (Examples 7-1, 7-2) As Example 7-1, in the same manner as in Example 1-5, the conductive polymer conductor 10 was produced. The base material 11 was a plain cotton woven fabric (100% cotton), and the ratio of pTS to EDOT (pTS:EDOT) was 1:1 in terms of molar ratio.

[0049] Further, as Example 7-2, after forming the conductive polymer 12 on the substrate 11 in the same manner as in Example 7-1, an aqueous crosslinking agent was applied to the surface of the conductive polymer 12 and heat-treated to form the coating film 13, thereby producing the conductive polymer conductor 10. An isocyanate-based crosslinking agent was used as the aqueous crosslinking agent.

[0050] For Examples 7-1 and 7-2 as well, the surface resistance was measured in the same manner as in Examples 1-5, and the change in resistance due to washing was examined. The results obtained are shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, it was found that Example 7-2 to which the aqueous crosslinking agent was applied could more effectively suppress the increase in sheet resistance after repeated washing compared to Example 7-1 to which the agent was not applied, and thus the washing resistance could be improved.

[0051] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be variously modified. For example, in the above embodiments, each component has been specifically described, but not all components need to be provided, and other components may be provided.

Industrial Applicability

[0052] In recent years in Japan, with the progress of aging, in order to monitor health conditions and extend healthy life spans, wearable devices have been developed that can detect biological information such as electrocardiogram (information underlying electrocardiograms; the same applies hereinafter) and electromyogram through unobtrusive sensing to prevent illness and injury and detect diseases at an early stage. However, when measuring electrocardiograms and the like, conventionally, it has been necessary to attach gels or sticky seals for measurement or strongly press with a belt, making long-term wearing difficult. In addition, although disposable seals and the like are used as substitutes, there may be problems such as a sense of discomfort during wearing and skin roughness. Conventionally, those mainly coated with Ag metal have also been generally used, but there are concerns about adverse effects on the living body. Furthermore, there has been a problem in that the electrodes are oxidized by moisture and sweat, resulting in performance degradation. That is, it is desired to have electrodes that do not have an adverse effect on the living body even when used continuously for a long time. According to the present invention, for example, a mixed solution containing a monomer of a conductive polymer, an oxidizing agent, and ethanol as a solvent is applied to the surface of commercially available underwear and polymerized by a chemical reaction, so that the underwear can be provided with a conductive function. The electrode can be measured without strongly pressing against the living body, the underwear can be manufactured at a lower cost than conventional products, and biological information can be detected. If the price of the wear is reduced, it can be widely applied to healthcare and nursing support robots, work support robots, fitness, work clothes, etc.

Explanation of Signs

[0053] 10... Conductive polymer conductor, 11... Base material, 12... Conductive polymer, 13... Coating film

Claims

1. A conductive polymer conductor in which a conductive polymer is adhered to a substrate, wherein the substrate contains at least one of silk, cotton, and synthetic fiber, the conductive polymer is poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with iron p-toluenesulfonate added as an oxidizing agent and a dopant, and the ratio of iron p-toluenesulfonate to the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is polymerized with the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) being 1 mol or less per 1 mol of iron p-toluenesulfonate, and the surface of the conductive polymer has a coating film crosslinked with an isocyanate-based aqueous crosslinking agent. A conductive polymer conductor characterized by the above.

2. The conductive polymer conductor according to Claim 1, wherein the ratio (iron p-toluenesulfonate: monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) of iron p-toluenesulfonate to the monomer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is polymerized within a range of 1:0.2 to 1:0.6 in terms of molar ratio.

3. A conductive polymer conductor in which a conductive polymer is adhered to a substrate, wherein the substrate contains at least one of silk, cotton, and synthetic fiber, the conductive polymer is poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with iron p-toluenesulfonate added as an oxidizing agent and a dopant, and the ratio of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) in which iron p-toluenesulfonate is coordinated is 10% or more and 50% or less in terms of the area ratio between the peak of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) obtained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the peak of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) in which iron p-toluenesulfonate is coordinated, and the surface of the conductive polymer has a coating film crosslinked with an isocyanate-based aqueous crosslinking agent. A conductive polymer conductor characterized by the above.

4. The conductive polymer conductor according to Claim 1 or Claim 3, wherein the substrate contains synthetic fiber having a deformed cross-section.

5. A method for producing a conductive polymer conductor, comprising adhering a conductive polymer made of poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene to which an iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid is added as an oxidizing agent and a dopant, to a substrate containing at least one of silk, cotton, and synthetic fibers, the method comprising the steps of: The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is formed by applying a mixed solution containing ethanol as a solvent, an iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid, and a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) monomer to the base material, and polymerizing the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) monomer with the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid, the ratio of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid to the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) monomer during polymerization being 1 mole or less of the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) monomer per mole of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid, After forming the conductive polymer, a coating film is formed by crosslinking the surface of the conductive polymer with an isocyanate-based water-based crosslinking agent. The present invention relates to a method for producing a conductive polymer conductor.

6. 6. The method for producing a conductive polymer conductor according to claim 5, wherein the ratio of the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid to the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) monomer during polymerization (iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid:poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) monomer) is within a range of 1:0.2 to 1:0.6 in terms of molar ratio.

7. 6. The method for producing a conductive polymer conductor according to claim 5, wherein the base material includes a synthetic fiber having a modified cross section.

8. 6. The method for producing a conductive polymer conductor according to claim 5, further comprising the steps of: applying a mixed solution containing ethanol as a solvent, an iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid, and a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) monomer to the substrate; and polymerizing the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) monomer with the iron salt of p-toluenesulfonic acid, the mixed solution being repeated multiple times.

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