Embroidery technologies are widely applied for developing decorative elements of original design in garments, for integrating threads intended for protection into garments and other articles. Nonconformity of the shape and dimensions of the embroidered element with the designed digital image is influenced by properties of embroidery threads and fibres, by the filling type, density of stitches and other technological parameters. The objective of the paper is to explore the influence made by properties of fabrics and by the direction of stitches of the actual embroidered element on conformity of the shape with one of the designed digital image. For the research, embroidery threads of different purpose as well as three woven fabrics have been selected. For preparation of test samples, round digital images have been designed filling the embroidery area in different stitch directions. Analysis of the results of the investigations has demonstrated that the shape and dimensions of the embroidered element failed to conform to the shape and dimensions of the designed digital image in most cases. In certain cases, e.g. when the stitch direction goes towards the middle of the embroidered element, a defect, i. e. hole, is observed due to considerable concentration of stitches in the centre of the element.
Lately there have been a growing demand for energy sources that are suitable for powering smart textiles. A number of promising prototypes have been developed, many of which address important issues, but only to face new challenges. In this paper we propose a new approach to the development of energy source for smart textiles in order to overcome these challenges. The main feature of the new design is that the electrolyte is separated from the electrodes and is applied only when the cell needs to be activated. This makes shelf-life virtually infinite. We stress that this solution is suitable for specific applications only, outlined in the paper. The main aim of this study is to test viability of such an approach, using only textile materials. The presented electrical characteristics of the new battery should be assessed in this context. The main components of the battery include aluminium anode, air cathode and the shell made from cotton fabric. The paper focuses on the choice of textile-based materials for the anode and the cathode, since non-textile materials were used in these components in the original design. Besides that, the pure metal wire meshes have shown to be prone to oxidation. The new materials should address that issue as well. Electrical characteristics of the new design of the battery are measured, which confirm that there is no loss in battery performance. Next steps for further development of a multicell flexible textile battery, based on the results presented in this study, are outlined at the end of the paper.
Abstract. This paper describes a study, which proposes an alternative and safe energy source, namely, a flexible aluminium-air battery that is suited for use in special garments and wearable products, particularly those worn by children. The need for such a battery has arisen in our recent study, in which we have developed a textile-circuitbased enuresis alarm system. The system is primarily intended for use by children while they sleep, hence the use of lithium ion or other traditional batteries poses serious safety risks. The proposed battery uses saline electrolyte and all of its elements are flexible, which makes it particularly suitable for use in such specialized arrangements, where the appearance of a physiological or other type of saline electrolyte (urine, sweat, blood) energizes and activates the system. This paper studies constructive particularities of such a battery, arrangement of its components, as well as electrical properties and possible applications in medical and smart childcare products, e.g., the enuresis alarm system, smart diapers etc. Methods of integration of the developed batteries in textile products are described, which are based on our previous experience and studies. The developed battery enables one to replace a split "sensor/processing unit" system with an energy source, which actively reacts to changes in its environment and generates electricity. Low costs of the proposed battery, as well as the availability of its main components, make it perfect for wide range of applications from human and animal care to consumer products.Keywords: aluminium-air battery, flexible battery, smart textiles, embroidery. IntroductionIn one of our previous studies, we developed a textile enuresis alarm for children [1], which is intended to be worn by children during their sleep in order to treat enuresis. One of the main issues that has arisen during the study was related to the energy source. The system had to be autonomous and it was not feasible to use external power supply. Most commercially available chemical energy sources pose a certain degree of hazard due to their components -they either contain toxic materials or even pose explosion risk if not wired properly. One of the most promising alternatives was to use aluminium-air batteries due to the advantages described below. Besides that, since these batteries can be used with saline electrolytes, it is possible to use urine or other physiological liquids for their activation. As can be seen in the experimental results below, the activation of the battery is rather fast after the liquid is applied.Aluminium-air batteries are becoming more and more popular lately due to various factors, the major two being the abundance of aluminium in the Earth crust, hence its low price, and its relatively high theoretical voltage and energy density [2; 3].Another major advantage of aluminium-air batteries is that they can be made using safe and nontoxic materials. A basic design consists of an aluminium anode and a cathode, which needs to draw oxygen for ...
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.