The researchers, led by the University of Cambridge, say their approach could lead to applications that sound like sci-fi: curtains that are also TVs, energy-harvesting carpets, and interactive, self-powered clothing and fabrics. This is the first time a scalable large-area complex system has been integrated into textiles using an entirely fiber-based manufacturing approach. Their results are reported in the journal Nature Communications.
Researchers have successfully merged textile engineering and fiber-based electronics to integrate a fully functional, versatile smart textile system. A large (46-inch) smart textile system exhibits high luminance RGBW lighting/display coupled with six functional fiber devices capable of real-time electromagnetic, physical, signal monitoring with freedom of form factor.
Integrating specialized fibers into textiles through conventional weaving or knitting processes means they could be incorporated into everyday objects, which opens up a massive range of potential applications. However, to date, the manufacturing of these fibers has been size limited, or the technology has not been compatible with textiles and the weaving process. To make the technology compatible with weaving, the researchers coated each fiber component with materials that can withstand enough stretching to be used on textile manufacturing equipment. The team also braided some fiber-based components to improve their reliability and durability. Finally, they connected multiple fiber components using conductive adhesives and laser welding techniques. They incorporated multiple functionalities into a large piece of woven fabric with standard, scalable textile manufacturing processes using these techniques together.
To realize a broad range of multi functionalities in a single, smart textile display system, we integrated one output (fiber LED) and six input devices, which are compatible with symmetric and asymmetric weaving patterns, including; (i) F-radio frequency antenna (F-RF), (ii) F-photodetector, (iii) F-touch sensor, (iv) F-temperature sensor, (v) F-biosensor module, and (vi) F-energy storage that assembled within a natural cotton textile platform. E
The new technology could be a way forward to change the end-use of the textiles, which were once considered conventional wearing items. Such technology could easily replace the current systems with the cost-effective and easy to fabricate
