Development and characterization of flexible antenna based on conductive metal pattern on polyester fabric

Current paper focuses on the development and characterization of flexible antenna based on conductive metal pattern on polyester fabric. The flexible fabric patch antenna was prepared by printing of metallic patterns on fabric textures through a multi-step process. The inkjet printing followed by electroless nickel plating methods were employed to coat different patch sizes and shapes with extremely high conductivity on insulated fabric. The scanning electron micrograph imaging technique confirms the formation of Ni nanoparticle with normal distribution and average size of 150 ± 20 nm. The EDAX analysis reveals more than 93%w/w Ni which supports the high four-point probe conductivity of 2500 ± 175 S/cm for antenna patterns. The X-ray diffraction pattern also indicates the amorphous nickel formation and randomly phosphorus atoms trapped between the nickel atoms. Also, the measured results evidence that the tensile strength of the textile Antenna shows an increase of 25.72% in the warp direction and 19.98% in the weft direction. Also the amount of flexural stiffness significantly improves and the wrinkles reduced after electroless plating. Also the antenna's gain and bandwidth were studied by spectrum analyzer and the coated film surfaces. The largest printed patch antenna experienced a significant increase of about 1 kHz in bandwidth and −3 dB increase in gain value compared to other antennas. Also, the rectangular shape antenna showed a peak value at bandwidth of 4.2 kHz and gain value of −0.1 dB in comparison with spiral antenna.