Iron-on circuits make wearable electronics easier to integrate into clothing
December 5, 2025 – Researchers at the American Chemical Society have developed an electronic circuit that can be applied to fabric with a household iron. The circuit is formed from a thin film containing liquid metal mixed with a stretchable polymer. After drying, the film becomes flexible, conductive and able to bond firmly to cotton, polyester and stretch fabrics.
The attachment remains stable when the garment bends or folds. In demonstrations, the team embedded an LED pattern and a microphone in a shirt. The LED continued to function during movement and the microphone recorded clear audio without the bulk of traditional components.
This method allows sensors and lighting to be incorporated directly into textiles while preserving comfort and flexibility.
The research has now been published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces under the title “Iron-On Wearable Electronics through Liquid Metal Adhesive Composites.”
