Textile-based
sensors in the form of a wearable computing device
that can be attached to or worn on the human body not only can transmit
information but also can be used as a smart sensing device to access
the mobile internet. These sensors represent a potential platform
for the next generation of human–computer interfaces. The continuous
emergence of new conductive materials is one of the driving forces
for the development of textile sensors. Recently, a two-dimensional
(2D) MXene material with excellent performance has received extensive
attention due to its high conductivity, processability, and mechanical
stability. In this paper, the synthesis of MXene materials, the fabrication
of conductive textiles, the structural design of textile sensors,
and the application of MXene-based textile sensors in the wearable
field are reviewed. Furthermore, from the perspective of MXene preparation,
wearability, stability, and evaluation standards, the difficulties
and challenges of MXene-based textile sensors in the field of wearable
applications are summarized and prospected. This review attempts to
strengthen the connection between wearable smart textiles and MXene
materials and promote the rapid development of wearable MXene-based
textile sensors.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an illuminated polymeric optical fibre (POF) garment – the LUMI jacket – with accessibility and wearability improvements. This paper demonstrates how wearable technology can be seamlessly integrated into daily life.
Design/methodology/approach
An interdisciplinary approach involving design and technological techniques was adopted. Both garment design approaches and textile technologies were used to optimise the performance of a POF jacket. A group of tactile sensors was developed to create an easy-to-access interactive function. A POF fabric sample and garment were washed and examined to prove that a POF garment could be made part of a domestic laundry routine.
Findings
As a result, an illuminated POF garment – the LUMI jacket with textile-based switches – was created. Compared with current POF garments, the LUMI jacket’s wearability and accessibility were highly improved.
Originality/value
This project explored an unobstructive POF-illuminated garment to address the functional and wearable barriers to adoption. The interaction between wearer and garment is accessible. Electronics and textile touch sensors were seamlessly integrated into garment. Washability of POF garment was proved. This research explores how e-textiles can fit into everyday life.
This paper considers the progress made in E-textiles within knitted textiles and discusses what 'Project Jacquard' and the debut of the woven Levi's Commuter X Jacquard by Google jacket helps reveal about the relationship between E-textiles and textiles manufacturing. The paper considers research conducted within the fields of Art, Design and Technology, along with materials with interesting and novel properties that have been integrated into knitted textiles by practitioners and researchers. Such materials can embellish or enhance knitted fabric, from creating additional visual interest to practical functions. However, due to the physical properties of these types of materials, not all materials can be knitted into the fabric with ease; the optimal machine settings and techniques must be determined. Adapting to the physical characteristics of these innovative materials is a logical design requirement of the prototype development process but when we look to adopt the same principles as 'Project Jacquard'; manufacturing knitted E-textiles to scale, the challenges of the material/machinery relationship become more of an issue. This raises the question as to whether it is better to develop the material for better textiles integration, or to optimize the production process to suit the material.
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