Modern

Textile Materials

Talking clothing – that’s nonsense! Isn’t it?

Modern fibres

Smart 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.

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.

Smart fabrics:

What is a smart fabric?

‘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.

• 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 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.

Smart materials

When do you think these materials might be useful?

Smart materials

A smart fabric can sense certain conditions

A Smart fabric can react to certain conditions

A smart fabric can adapt to certain conditions

Smart materials

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.

Smart materials

Thermochromic

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.

Smart materials

Thermochromic

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.

Smart materials

Other smart materials

Photochromic colour

Photochromic dyes respond to sunlight

and change colour.

Smart materials

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.

Hydrochromic

Hydrochromic inks can now be applied to textiles that

change colour when wet. This is now popular on

umbrellas.

EL wire is a new technology being used in

clothing for visibility.

High-vis textiles

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.

Smart materials

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

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:

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.

Modern materials Modern materials

Wet, wet, wet

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.

Dry, warm, comfortable

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.

Waterproof breathable fabrics

Modern materials

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

Using wireless technology,

clothing can interact with

electronic devices in the

home.

Remote controls can be

incorporated into soft

furnishings.

Fabric interfaces

enable

electronic

devices to be

built into

clothing.

Modern materials

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

Soldiers may soon be able to:

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.

Military applications

Modern materials

Medical applications

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.

Medical applications

Tiny babies are sometimes at risk when they sleep.

Intelligent infant bedding:

Modern materials

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.

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.

Other developments

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.

Modern materials

Medical uses

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.

Modern materials

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).

1. Sense the temperature of the surroundings

2. Detect and monitor chemicals and gasses

3. Give out light so the wearer can be seen

4. Transmit signals to help find a trapped or

injured fire fighter.

Safety

Scientists are developing intelligent clothing to help keep people like fire fighters

safe. It can:

Modern materials

Geotextiles

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.

Modern materials

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

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.

Modern materials

Other developments

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.

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 is the

process of adding nano sized

particles to fibres or fabrics.

Nano particles refer to the tiny

particles that are attached by

microencapsulation.

Nanotechnology

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.

1. Existing fabrics and fibres can be modified by

nanotechnology to give them new properties.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Some fabrics coated with nanoparticles resist and

break down dirt and stains, and so are self-

cleaning.

Modern materials

Synthetic Fibres and Fabrics

Microfibres

60 times finer than

human hair

Made from

polyester or

polyamide

Very strong

Water-repellent

Absorbent

Breathable

Very good ‘handle’

(feel)

Used for

Underwear

Hosiery

Sportswear

Water- repellent

outdoor wear

Cleaning cloths

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.

Synthetic Fibres and Fabrics

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

Kevlar–

very strong and

used in

bulletproof

vests and

motorbike wear.

Other fibres

Be machine washable

Have components small and flexible enough for clothes

Have an output device that doesn’t distract the user

too much.

Some of the problems

Intelligent clothing needs to:

Can you think of any other criteria intelligent clothing

should meet?

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.

Modern materials

Synthetic Fibres and Fabrics

Microfibres

60 times finer than

human hair

Made from

polyester or

polyamide

Very strong

Water-repellant

Absorbant

Breathable

Very good ‘handle’

(feel)

Used for

Underwear

Hosiery

Sportswear

Water- repellant

outdoor wear

Cleaning cloths

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.

Synthetic Fibres and Fabrics

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

Kevlar–

very strong and

used in

bulletproof

vests and

motorbike wear.

Other fibres

Uses of smart fabrics

Modern materials

Key words:

Interactive

Smart

Photochromic

Thermochromic

Biomimetics

Fastskin

Nanotechnology

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.

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.

Key facts to remember