2. INTRODUCTION
Today’s world is growing very fast….
In this scenario, textile manufacturers are very much interested in
adopting new trends as well as focusing on improving the current
products.
There is a trend of using smart phones, smart TV’s and smart
computers, so is the case of smart textiles.
Solid foundations of scientific understanding have been laid to guide
the improved usage and processing technology of natural fibres and
the manufacturing of synthetic fibres.
3. Textiles can now be designed for specialized applications
• Optimized moisture
management
• Better heat flow control
• Improved thermal insulation
• Breathability
• High performance in hazard
protection
• Environmental friendly
• Increased abrasion resistance
• Health control and healing aid
• Body control
• Easy care
• High aesthetic appeal
• Enhanced handle
• High/low visibility
4. DEFINATION
Smart textiles are the textiles, which sense and react to
environmental condition or stimuli.
Examples-
A Trouser, which reminds you if you forgot your car keys.
A Smart skin, which warns you when you are exposed to a hazardous chemical.
A Intelligent keyboard, on which you can practically dance, fold and wash if it
is soiled.
A Jogging suit, which tunes to the climatic changes or to the physical condition
after exercise and further advice the jogger for the balanced action.
A Jacket, which is cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Further it entertains
the wearer with TV channels or computer games. Or connect with his friends on
phone for a chat.
5. We are inspired to mimic nature in order to create clothing
materials with higher levels of functions and smartness.
Cloning silk fibers was a first step
A new silk-like fiber was developed from the genes of a
spider’s secretion by researchers in a Montreal lab a few
years ago. As a result, a new strong and light fiber was
created, which is now used for applications where high
tensile strength is a requirement. This fiber is stronger than
stainless steel.
7. • According to the manner of reaction, ST (smart textiles)
can be divided into:
Passive smart materials, which can only sense the environmental
condition or stimuli, e.g.- Temperature measurement
Active smart materials, which sense and react to the condition or
stimuli, e.g.- Wearable Electronics
Very smart materials, which can sense, react and adapt
themselves accordingly, e.g.- Colour Changing materials
Intelligent materials, which are those capable of responding or
activated to perform a function in a manual or pre-programmed
manner.
8. HOW DOES A SMART MATERIAL WORK?
RESPONSE OR ACTION
ACTUATION
The actuators act upon the detected and evaluated signal either
directly or from a central control unit
PROCESSING
The processor analyzes and evaluates the signals
SENSING
The sensors provide a nerve system to detect signals
TRIGGER OR STIMULI
9. FIBERS IN FOCUS FOR SMART TEXTILES
• Micro denier nylons are soft and sumptuous with a dull
matte appearance for a natural look
• HolofiberTM is a responsive textile, accelerate muscle
recovery and build strength in the body.
• A textured yarn can achieve multicolor effects in one dye
bath. It is a combination of two modified nylons 6,6. One
nylon only accepts acid dyes and rejects cationic ones; the
other one acts the opposite way.
• Copper fibers have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and
anti-fungal properties.
10. • Copper is gradually absorbed upon direct contact with the
skin, improves blood circulation, increases energy and has
anti-arthritic properties
• Copolymers of polyester provide fabrics with a soft hand,
dimensional stability, moisture transportability, ease of
dyeing and colorfastness.
• Lastol, a new comfort stretch fiber is blended in cotton
shirts and blouses, garment-washed denims, casual shirts,
etc. for improved processing efficiencies with cotton feel
and easy care
11. SPEEDO FABRIC (SHARK SKIN)
SPEEDO Intentional, Japan has developed
mimic of shark skin which ensures easy
swimming.
In case of the swimwear, drag is the major
criteria for performance.
The sharkskin is made from specially developed
polyamide and Lycra fiber coated with Teflon to
prevent water penetration.
Also this fabric is knitted with 3-dimenssional
V-shaped groove with 3-D knitting principal.
With help of this V-shaped groove the friction
between water and swimmer is negligible and
drag up to zero. So this increases the efficiency
of the swimmer by 8-10%.
12. Touch Sensitive fabric
• Imagine a roll-up QWERTY keyboard, a jacket that
interfaces with your mobile phone, a television
remote control sewn into the arm of a sofa or light
switches embedded in curtains and carpets.
• These are just a number of innovative products made
possible using SOFT switch, a unique technology
developed to enable textiles to function as interfaces
to control any type of electronic device.
• Soft switch fabrics can interface directly with any
type of electronic device without the need for signal
processing or complex software.
13. SMART INTERIORS
(Textile switches)
• SOFT switch allows switching and pressure
sensing to be incorporated invisibly into
interior textiles in the home or office to
control lighting, security, temperature or
other electronic appliances.
For example,
• Interior environmental conditions can be
changed using wearable switches or by
touching wall coverings.
• Audio-visual remote controls can be
incorporated into soft furnishings.
• light switches/dimmers can be integrated
into seating upholstery or carpets. .
14. THERMAL PERFORMANCE ENHANCING FABRIC
• Hydroweave® provides extraordinary
protection against heat, actively cooling
the wearer through evaporation, and
helping to maintain the core body
temperature in high-heat environments
• It is a three-layer design that combines
special hydrophilic and hydrophobic
fibers into a fibrous batting core. The
batting is sandwiched between a
breathable outer shell fabric and a
thermally conductive, inner lining
15. FLASH DRIED FABRICS
3XDRY® finishing technology was
developed to provide a treatment that
retains water resistance on the face of
a fabric and increases wicking on the
back. The two functions are truly
separated within the fabric, which
remains highly breathable.
3XDRY® uses a special process to
apply a hydrophilic finish on the back
that wicks perspiration away from the
body, spreading it over the fabric, and
evaporating it quickly on the face. It
also has a hydrophobic finish that
repels water and dirt.
The fabric dries six to eight times
faster than untreated fabric.
3XDRY ® also incorporates a hygienic treatment
to control odor.
16. PHASE-CHANGE MATERIALS (HEAT STORAGE MATERIAL)
Specific for the phase-change materials is that they change between
solid and liquid (ice to water) state in the temperature range where the
material is used.
A change from solid to liquid (melting) involves the absorption of
heat, and similarly a change from liquid to solid (crystallization) the
release of heat.
17. PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS
• A melting heat-absorption temperature of 20-40˚ C and a crystallization of heat-
releasing temperature of 30-10˚ C are effective in clothing.
• The Phase-change materials currently used in textile structures are paraffin's. The
heat storage capacity is shown in Table
APPLICATIONS
• It can be applied when a person is moving frequently between warm and cold
environments or handling cold pieces.
• The absorption and releasing of heat is a repeatable cycle, which takes place at skin
temperature without unpleasant low and high temperature.
18. PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS
Outlast® temperature-regulating technology
effectively recycles body heat, keeping the
wearer’s skin temperature within a comfortable
range.
Outlast was first developed for use in astronaut
uniforms and as a protection for instruments
against the severe temperature changes in outer
space.
The technology is now used in apparel,
footwear, equipment and linens.
Outlast is a paraffin wax compound that is
micro-encapsulated into thousands of miniscule,
impenetrable, hard shells. It recycles body heat
by absorbing, storing, distributing and releasing
heat on a continuous basis, keeping the wearer’s
skin temperature within a comfortable range.
19. NANO TECHNOLOGY
Nano-particles are permanently attached
to cotton or synthetic fibers.
The change occurs at the molecular
level, and the particles can be configured
to imbue the fabric with various
attributes.
Nano-technology combines the
performance characteristics associated
with synthetics with the hand and feel of
cotton
Nano-fibers 1/1000 the size of a typical
cotton fiber are attached to the
individual fibers. The changes to the
fibers are undetectable and do not affect
the natural hand and breathability of the
fabric
Nano-fibers attached to cotton fibers
Nano-fibers cause liquids to roll off
20. WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
Clothing is currently supposed to have more
functions than just certain climatic protection and
good look. These functions can be referred to
wearing and durability properties
A revolutionary new property of clothing is to
exchange information.
Clothing is now capable of recording, analyzing,
storing, sending and displaying data, which is a
new dimension if intelligent systems.
Clothing can extend the user’s senses, augment
the view of reality and provide useful information
anytime and anywhere the user goes.
Application fields are:
Working: displaying helpful data, connecting to
the internet or to other people
Medicine: monitoring health parameters
Security: detecting danger, calling for help
21. BIO-MIMICS
Fibers have been developed that can quickly
change their color, hue, depth of shade or
optical transparency by application of an
electrical or magnetic field could have
applications in coatings,additives or stand
alone fibers.
Varying the electrical or magnetic field
changes the optical properties of certain
oligomeric and molecular moieties by
altering their absorption coefficients in the
visible spectrum as a result of changes in
their molecular structure
The change in color is due to the absence of
specific wavelengths of light; it varies due
to structural changes with the application of
an electromagnetic field.
22. WIND-STOPPER FABRICS
These types of fabrics are used during trekking on
mountain in windy weather.
Windproof clothing prevents convective heat transfer.
Convective heat loss is a significant factor in causing
discomfort.
In cool or cold, windy condition windproof clothing
keeps us warmer by preventing convective heat loss
(the wind chill effect) and the discomfort associated
with it.
Wearing windproof clothing prevents the
displacement of warm air with cold air in the
microclimate next to our skin.
When wearing a windproof layer, we can maintain
our warmth with less insulation in windy conditions.
The benefit is greater warmth and comfort.
WIND-STOPPER fabric products are new generation
of fabrics designed to offer maximum warmth, high
breath ability.
.
23. Patented Bipolar construction has two unique
surfaces: The soft inner layer rapidly wicks
perspiration away from the body, while the
durable outer layer spreads moisture for
maximum evaporation.
ideal for sports that create significant body
moisture due to high exertion and aerobic activity.
Body Climate System
It maintains a comfortable climate between your
skin and your clothing, regardless of activity or
environment.
These fabrics are engineered to attain the ultimate
Body Climate for Peak performance, because
They work together to keep the body dry by
managing Perspiration, keeps the body warm by
trapping heat, and protect from the weather
Blocking wind and water.
Polartec's Body Climate System consists of a
Moisture Control layer, Temperature Control
layers, and Element Control layer.
POWER DRY FABRICS
( POLARTEC BODY CLIMATE® SYSTEM)
24. SMART MILITARY UNIFORM
The uniform is equipped with optical fibers, which can detect an injury such as by bullet and
send information to the concerned center. The signal’s magnitude would depend on the force
applied on the fiber that can be considered as the severity of the injury and priority of
treatment can be decided by this information. This would help also in reaching or locating
injured soldiers in the battlefield or rescue operation.
The US military’s land warrior program is arming soldiers with the uniform containing
protective gear and body armor and computer. The headgear shows battle plans soldier
position transmitted over a wireless LAN. It also consists of a microphone. The radio cum
computer on the back or on the arms is powered by lithium battery. At chest another strap
contains Solider Control Unit for interfacing with computer.
The goal will be to increase the "protection and survivability" of US soldiers with new
technologies that target six priorities:
Threat Detection;
Threat Neutralization;
Automated Medical Treatment;
Concealment;
Enhanced Human Performance.
Reduced Logistical Footprint.
25. USE OF SMART SHIRT IN MEDICAL SCIENCE
• Intelligent Shirt could enhance communication between the wearer and his or her health
professional. For example, the Intelligent Shirt could be outfitted for patients who return
home from surgery, so that their doctors could monitor their vital information. This kind of
monitoring would also be helpful for patients in rural areas who are far from medical
professionals.
• Wearing the Intelligent Shirt and knowing that their health is continuing to be monitored
remotely may allay their fears and help them recovery more quickly and successfully.
• Intelligent Shirt could also be used to learn more about mentally ill patients. These patients
need constant monitoring in order to get a better understanding of how tier vital signs are
related to their behavior patterns. This information could help doctors determine the effects of
the treatment mentally ill patients receive and could help doctors decide how and if the
treatment should be adjusted.
• Astronauts also need constant monitoring of their vital statistics, and the Intelligent Shirt
could help people on the earth understand the effects of the environment in outer space on the
body.
• Additionally, the " Intelligent Shirt" can be tailored to fit anyone, like any other shirt. For
example, a baby wearing a Intelligent Shirt could have his or her vital signs monitored. This
would be especially helpful since some babies are prone to sudden infant death syndrome
(SIDS), which often strikes unexpectedly during sleep.
• Athletes could also use the monitoring system during practice and competitions to track and
enhance performance.
26. DETECTION OF VITAL SIGNALS
Sensatex is developing a SmartShirt™ System
specifically for the protection of public safety
personnel, namely firefighters, police officers,
and rescue teams. Used in conjunction with a
wireless-enabled radio system, the SmartShirt™
can monitor the health and safety of public
safety personnel/victims trapped in a building or
underneath rubble with the ability to detect the
exact location of victims through positioning
capability. In addition to monitoring vital signs,
the system can detect the extent of falls, and the
presence of hazardous gases; it also offers two-
way voice communication
27. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)
Textiles integrated with sensory devices driven
by a GPS can detect a user’s exact location
anytime and in any weather. Interactive
electronic textiles with integrated GPS enhance
safety by quickly locating the wearer and
allowing the suit to be heated. GPS can provide
added safety for firefighters and emergency
personnel by facilitating offsite monitoring of
vitals.
28. Wireless, hands-free communication
Fabric area networks (FANs) enable electronic devices to exchange
digital information, power, and control signals within the user’s personal
space and remote locations. FANs use wireless RF communication links
using currents measuring one nanoamp; these currents can transmit data
at speed equivalent to a 2400-baud modem
29. Cooling – Warming System
A new high-tech vest has been developed to help keep
soldiers, firefighters, etc. alive in the searing temperatures
of deserts, mines and major fires. The vest uses a
personal cooling system (PCS), which is based on heat
pipe technology which works by collecting body heat
through vapor filled cavities in a vest worn on the body.
The heat is then transferred via a flexible heat pipe to the
atmosphere with the help of an evaporative cooling heat
exchanger. The heat exchanger is similar in principle to a
bush fridge where a cold cloth is put over a container and
the temperature drop caused by evaporation keeps the
food cool. It is designed to be worn by personnel
underneath NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical)
clothing, body armor and other protective clothing.
30. Warning Signaling
A combination of sensors and small flexible light emitting displays
(FLED) can receive and respond to stimuli from the body, enabling a
warning signal to be displayed or sent.
The sensors can monitor EKG, heart rate, respiration, temperature, and
pulse oximetry readings. If vital signals were below critical values, a
FLED would automatically display, for example, a flashing red light, and
a wireless communication system could send a distress signal to a remote
location.
31. CONCLUSION
“SMART TEXTILES” are no more fairy tales and a reality today.
Many products are being commercially launched from the year
2000/2001.
Their usefulness is unquestionable and cost is worth paying compared
to the quality of the service received.
Manufacturing them commercially may have good scope, if we take
initiative ahead of others.
Now our garment industries should immediately think in those lines.
Since they are specialty products, obviously profit margin could be
higher, a gold mine, DON’T MISS IT.
