Smart Textiles

A special issue of Fibers (ISSN 2079-6439).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2016) | Viewed by 55807

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
Interests: smart polymers; shape memory fibers; textiles; apparel; composites; digital evaluation; testing devices; textile engineering
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Smart textiles can be defined as those that can sense and react to environmental conditions or stimuli. Smart textiles can also be called interactive textiles, which is probably more of a reference to wearable electronics. Research into smart textiles can be divided into three basic categories: materials, structures, and systems. Materials, particularly polymers with special functions, such as those involving phase change, memory, conductivity or optical and chromic phenomena, are the starting points. The structures of textiles can have a significant role in achieving designated functions. Finally, systems normally concern electronic components.

Smart textiles have their foundations in different research disciplines: textile design and technology, physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, electronics, computer science, and wearable technology. The progress of sciences and technologies necessitates interdisciplinary interaction and collaboration between basic research and innovative applications. This Special Issue, entitled Smart Textiles, calls for papers regarding the scientific study of any fibers, fiber materials, fibrous structures, and applications of smart textiles. The aim is to provide an overview concerning state-of-art materials, concepts, models, and fabrications, so as to develop smart textiles through fibers.

The bulk of the knowledge accumulated in the past fifteen years has been the work of some really great researchers in smart textiles. It is my great pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript for this Special Issue. Full papers, communications, feature articles, and reviews are all welcome.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Best Regards,

Prof. Dr. Jinlian Hu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fibers is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • smart textiles;
  • hi-tech textiles;
  • textile design and technology;
  • fiber materials;
  • fibrous structures;
  • applications of smart textiles;
  • multi-function;
  • stimuli responsive fibers.

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

2347 KiB  
Article
Heat Transfer in Directional Water Transport Fabrics
by Chao Zeng, Hongxia Wang, Hua Zhou and Tong Lin
Fibers 2016, 4(4), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib4040026 - 14 Oct 2016
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 8156
Abstract
Directional water transport fabrics can proactively transfer moisture from the body. They show great potential in making sportswear and summer clothing. While moisture transfer has been previously reported, heat transfer in directional water transport fabrics has been little reported in research literature. In [...] Read more.
Directional water transport fabrics can proactively transfer moisture from the body. They show great potential in making sportswear and summer clothing. While moisture transfer has been previously reported, heat transfer in directional water transport fabrics has been little reported in research literature. In this study, a directional water transport fabric was prepared using an electrospraying technique and its heat transfer properties under dry and wet states were evaluated, and compared with untreated control fabric and the one pre-treated with NaOH. All the fabric samples showed similar heat transfer features in the dry state, and the equilibrium temperature in the dry state was higher than for the wet state. Wetting considerably enhanced the thermal conductivity of the fabrics. Our studies indicate that directional water transport treatment assists in moving water toward one side of the fabric, but has little effect on thermal transfer performance. This study may be useful for development of “smart” textiles for various applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Textiles)
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3061 KiB  
Article
Memory Bandage for Functional Compression Management for Venous Ulcers
by Bipin Kumar, Jinlian Hu and Ning Pan
Fibers 2016, 4(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib4010010 - 19 Feb 2016
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 8074
Abstract
In current compression practice for the treatment of chronic venous disorders, there has always been a challenge of controlled compression by a bandage to achieve a particular pressure range in the affected region of the limb. The challenges in compression in the products [...] Read more.
In current compression practice for the treatment of chronic venous disorders, there has always been a challenge of controlled compression by a bandage to achieve a particular pressure range in the affected region of the limb. The challenges in compression in the products could be solved if there were the possibility of stress control in fabric. Herein, we are exploiting the newly discovered phenomena, i.e., stress memory, in a memory polymer (MP) for the design and investigation of a smart bandage for functional compression benefits. A memory bandage is developed using a blend yarn consisting of MP filaments (segmented polyurethane) and nylon filaments. Results showed the possibility to control or manage the internal stress developed in the bandage in wrapped position by simple heating, and thus allowing pressure readjustment externally. Extra pressure generated by the bandage increases with increasing the level of temperature and strain (p < 0.05). The pressure variations also depend on the number of layers and limb circumference (p < 0.05). The memory bandage could have a great potential over existing conventional compression products, as they could give more freedom to govern pressure level whenever needed during the course of compression therapy as a novel wound care management system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Textiles)
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1724 KiB  
Article
Self-Folding Textiles through Manipulation of Knit Stitch Architecture
by Chelsea E. Knittel, Diana S. Nicholas, Reva M. Street, Caroline L. Schauer and Genevieve Dion
Fibers 2015, 3(4), 575-587; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib3040575 - 15 Dec 2015
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 17915
Abstract
This research presents a preliminary study on finding predictable methods of controlling the self-folding behaviors of weft knit textiles for use in the development of smart textiles and garment devices, such as those with shape memory, auxetic behavior or transformation abilities. In this [...] Read more.
This research presents a preliminary study on finding predictable methods of controlling the self-folding behaviors of weft knit textiles for use in the development of smart textiles and garment devices, such as those with shape memory, auxetic behavior or transformation abilities. In this work, Shima Seiki SDS-One Apex computer-aided knitting technology, Shima Seiki industrial knitting machines, and the study of paper origami tessellation patterns were used as tools to understand and predict the self-folding abilities of weft knit textiles. A wide range of self-folding weft knit structures was produced, and relationships between the angles and ratios of the knit and purl stitch types were determined. Mechanical testing was used as a means to characterize differences produced by stitch patterns, and to further understand the relationships between angles and folding abilities. By defining a formulaic method for predicting the nature of the folds that occur due to stitch architecture patterns, we can better design self-folding fabrics for smart textile applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Textiles)
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617 KiB  
Article
Biodegradable Nanofiber for Delivery of Immunomodulating Agent in the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma
by Richard Garrett, Eri Niiyama, Yohei Kotsuchibashi, Koichiro Uto and Mitsuhiro Ebara
Fibers 2015, 3(4), 478-490; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib3040478 - 6 Nov 2015
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 9135
Abstract
In this paper we investigate a potential new treatment option for basal cell carcinoma using electrospun polymer nanofibers. Poly(ε-caprolactone) fibers incorporated with the anti-cancer drug imiquimod were successfully produced for the first time. These fibers were characterized and their diffusion release profile tested [...] Read more.
In this paper we investigate a potential new treatment option for basal cell carcinoma using electrospun polymer nanofibers. Poly(ε-caprolactone) fibers incorporated with the anti-cancer drug imiquimod were successfully produced for the first time. These fibers were characterized and their diffusion release profile tested in vitro. A range of different electrospinning parameters were investigated in order to determine the most effective approach in optimizing the fibers for future in vivo testing. Characterization showed stable and homogeneous distribution of imiquimod. Although the drug was released faster than what would be needed to replicate the current treatment model, this system would ideally allow for a treatment option which reduces side effects and is more convenient for the patient than the current topical treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Textiles)
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Article
A Smart Shirt Made with Conductive Ink and Conductive Foam for the Measurement of Electrocardiogram Signals with Unipolar Precordial Leads
by Yasunori Tada, Yusaku Amano, Tomonobu Sato, Shigeru Saito and Masahiro Inoue
Fibers 2015, 3(4), 463-477; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib3040463 - 3 Nov 2015
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 11596
Abstract
The Holter monitor is used to measure an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal while a subject moves. However, the Holter monitor is uncomfortable for the subject. Another method of measuring the ECG signal uses a smart shirt. We developed a smart shirt that has six [...] Read more.
The Holter monitor is used to measure an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal while a subject moves. However, the Holter monitor is uncomfortable for the subject. Another method of measuring the ECG signal uses a smart shirt. We developed a smart shirt that has six electrodes on the chest and can measure a detailed ECG, obtained with unipolar precordial leads. The electrodes and wires of the shirt are made of conductive ink that is flexible and stretchable. The smart shirt is stretchable and fits the body well. However, because of the gap between the smart shirt and the body, electrodes V1 and V2 do not touch the body consistently. We developed a conductive foam block that fills this gap. We investigated the characteristics of the conductive foam block, and measured ECG signals using the smart shirt. The electrical resistance of the conductive foam block was reduced by pressure. This characteristic could be utilized to measure the ECG signal because the block was pressed by the body and smart shirt. We could measure the ECG signal using the smart shirt and blocks while the subject walked and could detect peaks of the ECG signal while the subject jogged slowly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Textiles)
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