The advancements in additive manufacturing technology and new materials paved the way for 3D printed textile-like structures. However, achieving the comfort and fit of traditional textiles and joining of the 3D printed segments have been challenging. Embedding 3D printed polymers with textiles using fused deposition modeling offers possibilities for innovative hybrid structures and end-products without compromising on the flexibility and unique qualities of the traditional textiles. This study investigates 3D printing of flexible thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer and rigid polylactic acid filaments on polyester and polyamide knitted textiles, and on laminated neoprene textiles. Perpendicular and shear tensile strength are tested before and after washing the samples manufactured by direct deposition of different filaments onto different textiles in multiple 3D forms. Results show that TPU filament is compatible with all textile surfaces and neoprene shows the best adhesion with all filament types before and after washing.
This research takes a bottoms-up approach to sustainable practices of designers within one industry in a specific locale. In researching sustainability in the apparel industry, one must consider the fashion system in which apparel designers operate. This research examines apparel designers in Minnesota and their perspectives about best practices that will encourage sustainability. Designers from a variety of small to large size businesses are interviewed and the results are analyzed to identify present and future contributions with regards to sustainability in apparel design. Processes that take into account the local context of sustainability enable a shared understanding with potential for mutually acceptable approaches to address the issues.
When e-textile EMG electrodes are integrated into clothing, the fit of the clothing on the body, and therefore its pattern and cut become important factors affecting the EMG signal quality in relation to the seamless contact between the skin and the e-textile electrode. The research so far on these effects was conducted on commercially available clothing or in tubular sleeve forms for arms. There is no study that investigated different clothing pattern and fit conditions and their effect on e-textile EMG electrode performance. This study investigates the effect of clothing pattern and fit in EMG applications using e-textile electrodes integrated onto the sleeves of custom drafted t-shirts in set-in and raglan sleeve pattern variations. E-textile electrode resistance, signal-to-noise ratio (SNRdB), power spectral density and electrode–skin impedance are measured and evaluated in set-in sleeve and raglan sleeve conditions with participants during a standardized arm movement protocol in comparison to the conventional hydrogel Ag/AgCl electrodes. The raglan sleeve pattern, widely used in athletic wear to provide extra ease for the movement of the shoulder joint, showed superior performance and therefore indicated the pattern and cut of a garment could have significant effect on EMG signal quality in designing smart clothing.
Chronic diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis affect everyday life of people at multiple scales and require continuous medications and physical therapy for alleviating the symptoms. Wearable technologies offer promising benefits in management of chronic diseases with at home rehabilitation possibilities. This research explored the design process of an e-textile based smart glove that can be used by Rheumatoid Arthritis patients in home environment to reduce pain by applying electrical stimulation therapy and limit hand deformities with textile based splint structures. The whole design process was carried out in close collaboration with medical professionals and sufferers of the disease through iterative prototyping and testing. The multi-disciplinary nature of the smart glove development required a framework for design research covering medical and physiological considerations, textile and electronics technology, and manufacturing methods. The implementation of the design required comfort characterization tests for textiles, electrical characterization tests for e-textile structures and clinical trials.
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