Fabrics and Garments as Sensors: A Research Update

Abstract

Properties critical to the structure of apparel and apparel fabrics (thermal and moisture transfer, elasticity, and flexural rigidity), those related to performance (durability to abrasion, cleaning, and storage), and environmental effects have not been consistently addressed in the research on fabric sensors designed to interact with the human body. These fabric properties need to be acceptable for functionalized fabrics to be effectively used in apparel. Measures of performance such as electrical conductivity, impedance, and/or capacitance have been quantified. That the apparel/human body system involves continuous transient conditions needs to be taken into account when considering performance. This review highlights gaps concerning fabric-related aspects for functionalized apparel and includes information on increasing the inclusion of such aspects. A multidisciplinary approach including experts in chemistry, electronics, textiles, and standard test methods, and the intended end use is key to widespread development and adoption.

Applicability of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) impregnated polyurethane nanoweb as a transmission line for smart textiles

“…In addition, durability/cleaning to abrasion is required because environmental influences such as twisting and bending can change the electrical properties and performance of the textile-based transmission line. 34 Textile-based transmission lines can be applied as a layered fabric with a sandwich structure without being affected by the environment. It could be applied especially for firefighters, soldiers, and night workers to provide convenience and the safety of the wearer from risk factors in the dark and to increase activity.…”

Real-Time Compression for Tactile Internet Data Streams

“…The density can stem from dense population or machine deployments, such as in metropolitan areas or in factories, but also be the result of an increase of the sensors/actuators that are placed, e.g., on individual operators (humans or robots) [ 40 ]. A common example is, e.g., a tactile glove [ 41 ] or similar sensing garments [ 42 , 43 ]. Although the actual underlying sensing/actuating might not be readily modifiable to result in a reduction of latencies, the sending of multiple of those readings could yield compression benefits, if it were possible to perform compression in real time to avoid significant negative impacts on the overall system latency.…”

Performance Evaluation of Knitted and Stitched Textile Strain Sensors

“…Reviews on wearable and flexible sensors in general are given by [ 1 , 2 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ], whereas [ 14 , 15 , 16 ] more particularly focus on textile strain sensors. Textile compatible strain sensors can be produced in three ways: (1) by integrating prefabricated stretchable sensor yarns in a garment; (2) by coating an existing fabric surface with a conductive substance, and (3) by integrating loop structures of conductive (non-stretchable) yarns in a textile fabric.…”