SMART TEXTILES

SMART FABRICS They have added features which do more than make the consumer just look and feel good. Can be made to be breathable, waterproof, windproof etc. They are often used for sportswear or outdoor use. Some are intelligent so they respond to the changing needs of the wearer in different environments. This is called Biomimetics, which literally means copying nature, or using it as a basis for the design.

SMART FABRICS - STOMATEX Stomatex allows the skin to breathe like a leaf, but also stops the rain getting in. It keeps the body temperature even to minimise sweat, and removes any sweat using tiny pumps within the fabric.

SMART FABRICS – STOMATEX vs. CONVENTIONAL FABRIC

MICRO-ENCAPSULATION Fragrances can be micro-encapsulated into fabrics. This can be applied to any fabric with an adhesive which is thermally fixed. Capsules release fragrance during movement so it is not transferred to other garments during storing. The effect lasts for approximately 40 washes, so it is classed as semi-permanent.

MICRO-ENCAPSULATION This is used in garments that get smelly through sweat or dirt, such as sportswear or outdoors. Aromas can be based on fruits or flowers. Lingerie can also be micro- encapsulated. It can also be used in clothing to protect against insects, with a smell that mosquitoes etc do not like to deter them. BUG GUARD

SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING These clothes protect the wearer from harmful UV rays from the sun. Polyester is the best fabric for this technique. It uses the same rating as sun creams and blocks, with UPF (UV Protection factor) 15+, 25+, 30+, 50+ etc. DuPont has introduced CoolMax performance fabrics, to keep the user cool in the heat of the day.

SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING Workers in Australia are expected to wear clothes with UPF 50+ protection. This technique is often used in swimwear for children and sometimes adults as it is a more permanent protection then sun cream which may wash off easily in water. Some hats and umbrellas, particularly for children may also use this technique.

WEARABLE ELECTRONICS This is when smart fabrics have micro- electronics built into the structure. Wearable electronics are often controlled by soft switches which are sewn into products using printing, coating and embroidery. Switches are washable and durable. It will eventually be incorporated into interior textiles to control lighting, appliances, TVs and stereos.

WEARABLE ELECTRONICS They can be used in wearable textiles to dial telephones, pager messages and control music from MP3 players. Examples include a business suit with a mobile phone incorporated, a child’s anorak with a tracking device, sportswear to monitor heart rate, aerobic outfits with music players incorporated, and club wear which changes colour etc.