Titanium dioxide and fluoropolymer-based coating for smart fabrics with antimicrobial and water-repellent properties

The fabrics coated with TiO2 photocatalyst and fluoropolymer exhibit good water-repellent and antimicrobial properties. The coated fabrics can be used in the fabrication of smart gowns and scrub suits as protective clothing for medical staff.

Electrically Conductive Textile Materials—Application in Flexible Sensors and Antennas

This paper reviews some prominent applications and approaches to developing smart fabrics for wearable technology. The importance of flexible and electrically conductive textiles in the emerging body-centric sensing and wireless communication systems is highlighted. Examples of applications are discussed with a focus on a range of textile-based sensors and antennas. Developments in alternative materials and structures for producing flexible and conductive textiles are reviewed, including inherently conductive polymers, carbon-based materials, and nano-enhanced composite fibers and fibrous structures.

Conductance-stable liquid metal sheath-core microfibers for stretchy smart fabrics and self-powered sensing

Highly conductive and stretchy fibers are crucial components for smart fabrics and wearable electronics. However, most of the existing fiber conductors are strain sensitive with deteriorated conductance upon stretching, and thus, a compromised strategy via introducing merely geometric distortion of conductive path is often used for stable conductance. Here, we report a coaxial wet-spinning process for continuously fabricating intrinsically stretchable, highly conductive yet conductance-stable, liquid metal sheath-core microfibers. The microfiber can be stretched up to 1170%, and upon fully activating the conductive path, a very high conductivity of 4.35 × 104 S/m and resistance change of only 4% at 200% strain are realized, arising from both stretch-induced channel opening and stretching out of tortuous serpentine conductive path of the percolating liquid metal network. Moreover, the microfibers can be easily woven into an everyday glove or fabric, acting as excellent joule heaters, electrothermochromic displays, and self-powered wearable sensors to monitor human activities.

Nanotechnology and its applications in fashion design in 2020

This article identifies, systematizes, analyzes and maps proposals and experiences for the application of nanotechnology to the textile industry and as hypotheses in which fabrics, classified as “smart”, have been fed industrially in fashion design in 2020. Therefore, it is considered design and human beings have an inseparable link, making it essential to raise aspects not yet fully mapped of the relationship of “smart fabrics”, that is, those sought through the implementation of nanotechnology in stages of the textile production process, with design fashion, which aims to establish an interface between human beings and clothing. In this sense, the method used for this qualitative investigation essentially contemplates a descriptive-observational modality of study of recognition. The choice of this theme is due to the scientific development of nanotechnology, which allows, through its technological manipulation, the modification and reinvention of materials and processes, so that structures can work at molecular and atomic levels, self-organizing and realigning itself in response to external stimuli, becoming in the end a resource for the improvement of textiles (JORDÃO, 2009). However, despite constant research and the development of the technical capacity of this resource, the study of the relationship between “smart fabrics” and fashion design is still quite scarce. It is known that such information is fundamental for the consolidation of this innovation process in the textile industry and, consequently, for the satisfaction of users (SENAI-SP, 2012; SOLOMON, 2011; SAWHNEY et al., 2008; COLCHESTER, 2007). In addition, according to May (2007, p.164), there are several products on the market that use nanotechnology without the knowledge of society,since the products are not labeled with this information and there is no specific regulation. Among these products are fabrics. The verification ofthis data makes this article pertinent to society, which is insipient to the subject. And, from a marketing point of view, the research is relevant, as itmay help to educate fashion designers, brands and users about the “smart fabrics” available. The combination of the above factors and the understanding of the situations in which “smart fabrics” are integrated into fashion design arerelevant elements to the theme of the conference “Design as common good”, since the research seeks to identify, systematize, analyze and map , through the proposed methodological tools, paths and directions of fashion design, addressing relevant issues such as their role in contemporary times, as well as directing new possibilities, using “smart fabrics” as a material resource in this process, serving as a parallel for other converging needs in other areas. The results of this study thus provide inputs to fashion designers and users, as well as associations of technical standards, the textile industry and the innovation sector, seeking to fill the gap identified about the lack of information in relation to situations where nanotechnology is being integrated into fashion design in 2020.

Two-layer fabrics for moisture management

Purpose Woven fabrics have been popularised in use owing to their superior properties and functionality. Today, weavers strive to add value to their product to be competitive and to secure profit in performance fabrics such as technical fabrics, smart fabrics and sportswear fabrics. Over the years, fabrics with special properties such as moisture management have gained higher demand. In this context, multi-layer fabrics provide a reasonable solution to the demand. Design/methodology/approach An attempt was made to develop two-layer fabrics with different compositions and properties. A two-layer woven fabric was produced using handloom weaving, with a hydrophobic inner layer and hydrophilic outer layer, the two layers being attached together using different stitching methods. Different fabric structures and yarn counts were used to achieve the objectives. Findings Experiments carried out verified the suitability of the developed fabric for effective moisture management. It was found that a fabric with a 100% cotton outer layer and 100% polyester inner layer, both layers of 2 × 2 matt weave, showed the best properties. Practical implications In the present COVID-19 pandemic situation, the use of masks in public has become mandatory in many countries. This research will help handloom manufacturers meet the need using simple methods. Originality/value This research uses handloom fabric. As such it provides an opportunity for small and medium enterprises to use available low-cost technology to develop fabric with superior properties.