Fundamentals of Textile Technology for Smart Clothing

1. Fundamentals of
Textile
Technology

2. Importance of
Fabric Selection
Comfort and Wearability:
• The choice of fabric impacts the comfort
and wearability of smart clothing.
• Smart garments are meant to be worn
close to the body, so the fabric must be
breathable, lightweight, and comfortable for
extended use.
• It should also allow for freedom of
movement.
• Fabrics with good moisture-wicking
properties, such as moisture-wicking
synthetics or breathable natural fibers like
cotton or linen, are suitable.

3. Integration of Electronics:
• Smart clothing typically incorporates
sensors, conductive materials, and
wiring to enable electronic
functionalities.
• The fabric should be compatible with
these components and allow for easy
integration without compromising the
garment's durability or comfort.
• Fabrics that can incorporate
conductive materials such as silver
coated within their structure are
preferable.

4. Conductivity and Connectivity:
• Smart clothing often relies on conductive
materials for data transmission and power
distribution.
• Fabric selection should take into account
the electrical properties of the material to
ensure reliable connectivity.
• Fabrics with conductive materials, like
metallic fibers or coatings, are preferred.
• Examples include conductive textiles and
fabrics with embedded conductive threads.

5. Durability and Washability:
• Smart clothing should be durable
enough to withstand regular wear
and tear, as well as washing.
• Fabric selection should consider
factors like abrasion resistance and
the ability to maintain its properties
after multiple wash cycles.
• Fabrics with good colorfastness and
resistance to shrinking, such as
high-quality blends, are ideal.

6. Flexibility and Stretchability:
• Depending on the intended
application, smart clothing may need
to be flexible or stretchable to
accommodate body movements.
• Fabric selection should ensure that
the fabric can stretch or bend without
damaging the embedded electronics.
• Elastic fabrics like spandex or blends
with elastane provide the necessary
stretch and flexibility.

7. Aesthetics and Design:
• The choice of fabric can impact the
overall look and feel of the smart
garment.
• Design considerations such as color,
texture, and pattern should align with
the intended style and aesthetics.
• Fabrics should be chosen to match
the desired look, whether sporty,
casual, or formal.

8. Integration of Electronics
with Textiles
Conductive Threads and Yarns:
• Creating smart textiles by
incorporating conductive yarns during
the knitting or weaving process.
• Sewing or embroidering conductive
threads into the fabric to create
electrical pathways.
• Can be used for attaching
components, connecting sensors, and
forming conductive traces.

10. Screen Printing:
• Using conductive ink to print electrical
circuits and components directly onto
the fabric.
• Suitable for creating flexible and
washable circuits on various fabric
types.

12. Bonding and Lamination:
• Bonding conductive layers or films
onto the fabric using heat, pressure,
or adhesives.
• Commonly used for attaching thin and
flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs)
to the textile surface.

14. 3D Printing:
• Using conductive 3D printing
materials to create flexible and
customized components that can be
attached to textiles.
• Allows for intricate and precise
designs.

16. Thank You!