Strain-programmable liquid metal fibers for anti-interference electronic textiles.

Abstract

Strain-induced signal interference is a critical challenge limiting the reliability and functionality of electronic textiles in real-world, deformable environments. Mechanical deformation during motion or wear can distort signal fidelity, compromise sensing accuracy, and disrupt energy or data transmission-hindering the advancement of smart, adaptive wearables. Here, we introduce a strain-programmable fiber platform that turns mechanical strain from a liability into a tunable design feature. By embedding liquid metal (LM) particles within a polyurethane elastomer via coaxial wet spinning, we create composite fibers whose electromechanical responses can be precisely programmed-through pre-strain and composition-to exhibit negative, hybrid, or positive strain-resistance behaviors. This tunability arises from strain-induced LM particle reconfiguration, driven by a balance of geometric deformation and conductive network evolution, and captured through a hybrid parallel-series model. Leveraging this functionality, we demonstrate bidirectional strain sensors with polarity-based digital encoding and strain-invariant circuits for robust energy harvesting, wireless communication and thermal management. This programmable approach offers a scalable, material-level solution to strain interference, enabling high-performance, multifunctional e-textiles for next-generation wearable electronics.