Modern Textile Materials

Talking clothing – that’s nonsense! Isn’t it? Modern fibres can create breathable fabrics that let out perspiration can be anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, so the bacteria that cause feet to smell can’t develop. Smart fibres can have circuits and microprocessors woven into them. a vest which monitors heart rate already exists… …so it won’t be long before global satellite positioning in your hat and mileage recorders in your shoes are possible too. I am just seeing what happens if I add notes.

Smart fabrics: Smart materials What is a smart fabric? It is a fabric that can react to outside conditions without human intervention. A smart fabric can sense certain conditions A smart fabric can react to certain conditions A smart fabric can adapt to certain conditions. ‘Smart textiles’ are best described as fabrics that work with their ‘own control and response mechanism’. In simple terms, smart textiles can sense electrical, thermal, chemical, magnetic, or other physical responses from the environment, and adapt or respond to them. This presentation will help you to identify the different types of ‘smart textiles’ that are available, and think of the potential that these new technological advancements present in product design. I am just seeing what happens if I add notes.

When do you think these materials might be useful? Smart materials Smart materials Smart materials sense the conditions around them, and react in some way. Some textiles are called bio-smart, because they have a biological function such as killing bacteria. E-textiles are being developed that build computers into textile products. When do you think these materials might be useful?

Smart materials Smart materials Heat: Moisture: Light: A smart fabric can sense certain conditions A Smart fabric can react to certain conditions A smart fabric can adapt to certain conditions Heat: Thermochromic colour on the surface of fabrics will change colour. An Italian manufacturer has invented fibres that become tighter when hot and allow more air to pass through, and expand when cold, reducing the air flow to help the wearer acclimatise to weather conditions. Moisture: Solvation chromism is where something changes colour with moisture, e.g. babies’ nappies. Light: Photochromic fabrics respond to light conditions by changing colour. These are good for military use to reduce the need for camouflage net.

Thermochromic Smart materials Thermochromic colour In textiles, thermochromic dyes are used to change the colour of a garment or textile as it changes temperature. The two methods of using thermochromic effects in textiles are liquid crystals and micro-encapsulate thermochromic. Images courtesy of VivoMetrics.

Thermochromic Smart materials Thermochromic colour Liquid crystals The crystals reflect light. As the liquid crystals heat up, the direction of the crystals changes, which causes the crystals to reflect a different wave length of light (what we see at this point is a change of colour). When the crystals cool down, they return to their original position (and we see the original colour). Micro-encapsulate thermochromic The thermochromic dye contains millions of tiny capsules that look a little like bubbles. Each capsule has three chemicals within it. Once they are heated up (normally through friction) these chemicals react and the dye develops. When the dye cools down, the chemicals separate, and the colour returns to its original state. Images courtesy of VivoMetrics.

Other smart materials Smart materials Photochromic colour Photochromic dyes respond to sunlight and change colour. Glow in the dark Glow in the dark fabrics do just that, they glow in the dark. They have to be activated by light first. Images courtesy of VivoMetrics. Hydrochromic Hydrochromic inks can now be applied to textiles that change colour when wet. This is now popular on umbrellas.

High-vis textiles Smart materials We have all seen reflective tapes and probably have clothes with these on. They are highly visible in car headlights. Some use minute glass beads to reflect, others use glass prisms – these are the brightest. EL wire is a new technology being used in clothing for visibility.

Interactive fabrics These incorporate electronics that need a power source. They are still smart fabrics, they just require power. Conductive fabrics have metal fibres or conductive printing inks/coatings on the surface. GORIX is a carbonising fibre that is conductive used in heated car seats and for motorbike clothing. SOFT SWITCH by Philips has conductive fibres and woven or knitted structures that have pressure sensors that can be used as audio devices. Solar energy is increasingly being used as a power source. Examples of interactive fabrics are: A waistcoat with conductive fibres so disabled children can communicate The life shirt Tagging technology that can track a garment Paramedics’ hardwear that can film a patient to send to the hospital doctor Garments with inbuilt mobile phone technology Tracksuits that can monitor performance Gloves with lights to allow cyclists to be seen at night Heated gloves

Modern materials Modern materials Modern materials are developed through the invention of new or improved processes. These developments are man-made, not natural. The materials are altered to perform a particular function. Many modern materials are developed for specialized applications but some will eventually become available for general use.

Wet, wet, wet

Dry, warm, comfortable Modern materials This family are wearing clothing made from fabric which is waterproof, so it stops sea water getting in. The fabric is also breathable, so it lets perspiration out. Water can pass through it in one direction but not the other. The clothing is also fleece lined to make it warm and light. Images provided courtesy of Musto (http://www.musto.co.uk).

Waterproof breathable fabrics Modern materials This breathable fabric has a hydrophilic coating. It absorbs moisture from the warm humid air around your body. It pushes the sweat out through your clothing to keep your skin comfortable. Gore-tex This is a laminated fabric, made up of different layers that have different functions. Gore-tex is widely used for outdoor wear. Laminated Fabrics These are made when two or more woven or knitted fabrics are combined using either liquid rubber or foam based fabrics. This laminated membrane is then applied to various products. Additional properties can then be added to the fabric such as a waterproof finish.

E-textiles Modern materials Fabric interfaces enable electronic devices to be built into clothing. Using wireless technology, clothing can interact with electronic devices in the home. Remote controls can be incorporated into soft furnishings. Images courtesy of SOFTSwitch. More information about SOFTSwitch’s electronic fabrics can be found at http://www.softswitch.co.uk/.

Military applications Modern materials Soldiers may soon be able to: wear clothing that changes colour to blend in with the surroundings use an intelligent glove to see if water is safe to drink communicate using a fabric keyboard sewn to a sleeve be warned of chemical hazards by their clothing have their vital signs (e.g. pulse, heart rate) monitored and reported back to command points have wounds treated on the battlefield by clothes that release antiseptics.

Military applications Modern materials Wireless technology might make it easier for the enemy to plot the position of a soldier, so wires are generally being used. The wires must be flexible, carry signals, be safe for the soldier, and not give away his or her position. Soldiers already carry lots of heavy equipment, so the new technology has to be very light. This makes finding the right display device very important.

Medical applications

Medical applications Modern materials Tiny babies are sometimes at risk when they sleep. Intelligent infant bedding: is made from coated wool fibres can detect movement as well monitor temperature can be linked to an alarm that sounds if movement stops is non-invasive – it isn’t actually fixed to the baby so it doesn’t feel uncomfortable can be used at home or in hospital.

Life shirt This garment is known as a life shirt. It is comfortable and washable, so it can be worn all the time. It collects data and saves it to a memory card. It stores information about the patient’s heart, lungs, posture and physical activity. Image courtesy of VivoMetrics. More information can be found at http://www.vivometrics.com/site/system.html.

Life shirt The life shirt can also be made in children’s sizes. It can take readings through the night, so helps diagnose sleeping problems. The patient can also fill in an electronic diary that records what they were doing and how they felt. The sensors are designed so that the patient can get on with their normal life and still give doctors the information they need. Images courtesy of VivoMetrics.

Biomimetics – ways of mimicking nature: Other developments Modern materials Biomimetics – ways of mimicking nature: Fastskin, developed by Speedo, mimicks sharkskin so it channels water away from the body making the swimmer more aerodynamic. Stomatex mimics the way that a leaf breathes and regulates temperature. Stomatex fabric keeps the wearer warm and dry. Other technology: Micro-encapsulation allows fibres and fabrics to be impregnated with microscopic bubbles of perfumes, anti bacterial properties, anti-allergenic properties, insect repellents, and carbon digesters to absorb smells. Buoyancy and inflatable textiles have been developed such as thermofloat for use in buoyancy aids and life jackets and inflatable yarns in children’s swimwear. Reflective textiles for enhanced safety at night for pedestrians and in sportswear. Phosphorescent textiles in glow in the dark fashion. Fibre optics in trainers for illuminated logos and in military garments to detect harmful chemicals. Images courtesy of VivoMetrics.

Medical uses Modern materials Synthetic fibre scaffold: This is a non-woven material made from nanofibres which provide a huge surface area for human tissues to adhere to. This means that tissues will repair much faster after surgery. Alginate dressings: These are highly absorbent, biodegradable dressings derived from seaweed. They promote healing of tissues and prevent bacterial infection. They are used on wounds that are really weeping, but because they be rinsed away with salt solution, they are easy to change and they don’t damage the surface of the would again when they are replaced (like ordinary dressings would because they would stick to the wound). Images courtesy of VivoMetrics.

Safety Modern materials Scientists are developing intelligent clothing to help keep people like fire fighters safe. It can: Sense the temperature of the surroundings Detect and monitor chemicals and gasses Give out light so the wearer can be seen Transmit signals to help find a trapped or injured fire fighter.

Geotextiles Modern materials Concrete canvas Geotextile products are used in road and building construction. Some geotextiles are used for the soil to stabilise the soil and limit soil erosion, and also to only allow water in one way where the ground is waterlogged. Geotextiles are also used in road building to prevent the road cracking. Geotextiles have been used in building buildings like the Millenium Dome. Concrete canvas This is canvas that has been impregnated with concrete. It can be erected like a tent by inflating it, but when it is sprayed with water it turns into a really durable concrete building. These concrete buildings were used during the Japanese Tsunami disaster to house people in.

Fastskin Modern materials Fastskin caused a stir when swimmers started wearing it because they began breaking records and knocking a lot of time off the previous record. Fastskin is biomimetic, that is it mimics something natural, in this case the skin of a shark, reducing drag and allowing the swimmer to go faster. Sharkskin (below) is covered in tiny scales (denticles) that reduces drag. Fastskin mimics this. Images courtesy of VivoMetrics.

Other developments Micro-encapsulation PureTemp technology is a micro-encapsulation product that helps to absorb, store and release body heat, keeping the wearer at a moderate temperature. This technology is ideal for ski jackets, military uniforms, gloves and footwear. Micro-encapsulation Micro-encapsulation is where tiny bubbles of liquid or solid substances are encapsulated and integrated into fabrics. The friction caused in the general use of a fabric breaks down the membrane of these gas or liquid bubbles over a time of repeated friction. As it breaks down, the contents, such as moisturisers, therapeutic oils, and insecticides, are released slowly. Types of products that are added to fibres are: phase-change materials for temperature regulation deodorants lotions (aloe vera, vitamin E, lanolin, etc.) dyes fabric softeners Odour reducing particles Medicinal agents – e.g. medicines, insect repellents flame retardants. Micro-encapsulation is the process of adding nano sized particles to fibres or fabrics. Nano particles refer to the tiny particles that are attached by microencapsulation. Images courtesy of VivoMetrics.

Nanotechnology Modern materials Nanotechnology is being developed to improve fabric performance by controlling particles and fibres. Nano-tex is a manufacturer helping companies to develop stain resistant more durable fabrics. Existing fabrics and fibres can be modified by nanotechnology to give them new properties. Thin layers of nanoparticles (very tiny particles of a substance) can be attached to common fibres and fabrics. The layers are so thin that they don’t change the feel of the fabric. Nanoparticles of silver are attached to fabrics to make the fabrics antibacterial – this has medical uses (face masks and dressings). Can also be used for odour-free socks. Some fabrics coated with nanoparticles resist and break down dirt and stains, and so are self-cleaning. Images courtesy of VivoMetrics.

Microfibres Synthetic Fibres and Fabrics Used for 60 times finer than human hair Made from polyester or polyamide Very strong Water-repellent Absorbent Breathable Very good ‘handle’ (feel) Microfibres are very versatile, they can be woven, knitted or bonded to make fabrics. They can be woven so tightly that they stop water droplets from penetrating but allow water vapour (sweat) escape so that the fabric is water repellent and breathable. They are also expensive so they are often blended with cheaper fabrics. Microfibre based fabrics are soft, comfortable, last well and hang beautifully. Used for Underwear Hosiery Sportswear Water- repellent outdoor wear Cleaning cloths

Other fibres Synthetic Fibres and Fabrics Kevlar– very strong and used in bulletproof vests and motorbike wear. Tactel Aquator – is a non-absorbant fibre that takes moisture away from the body Used for... Sports underwear ‘Dry’ socks Nomex– very resistant to fire and so used in firefighter uniforms and racing driver overalls

Some of the problems Modern materials Intelligent clothing needs to: Be machine washable Have components small and flexible enough for clothes Have an output device that doesn’t distract the user too much. Can you think of any other criteria intelligent clothing should meet?

Wearable computers use electronic circuits woven into clothing. Modern materials Summary Modern materials are being developed to make clothing more comfortable, lightweight and hard-wearing. Smart fabrics sense the conditions around to them and react in some way. Wearable computers use electronic circuits woven into clothing. Development costs are high, and the materials are usually developed for specialist uses. Once developed, the specialist fabrics often find everyday uses.

Microfibres Synthetic Fibres and Fabrics Used for 60 times finer than human hair Made from polyester or polyamide Very strong Water-repellant Absorbant Breathable Very good ‘handle’ (feel) Microfibres are very versatile, they can be woven, knitted or bonded to make fabrics. They can be woven so tightly that they stop water droplets from penetrating but allow water vapour (sweat) escape so that the fabric is water repellent and breathable. They are also expensive so they are often blended with cheaper fabrics. Microfibre based fabrics are soft, comfortable, last well and hang beautifully. Used for Underwear Hosiery Sportswear Water- repellant outdoor wear Cleaning cloths

Other fibres Synthetic Fibres and Fabrics Kevlar– very strong and used in bulletproof vests and motorbike wear. Tactel Aquator – is a non-absorbant fibre that takes moisture away from the body Used for... Sports underwear ‘Dry’ socks Nomex– very resistant to fire and so used in firefighter uniforms and racing driver overalls

Uses of smart fabrics

Key facts to remember The exam: Modern materials Key words: Interactive Smart Photochromic Thermochromic Biomimetics Fastskin Nanotechnology Key facts to remember Smart fabrics have many different properties and react to the conditions around them. Interactive textiles have a power source to activate their properties. New textiles are being developed all the time. The exam: You must be aware of technological advances in fibres, fabrics and products. You should be able to name and describe some smart and interactive materials.