[Textile Knowledge] 5 Smart Textiles

Smart textile is undoubtedly an important feature of textile development in the future. Its intelligence comes from the special ingredients added to fabrics. These components can be electronic devices, specially constructed polymers or even coloring agents.

1, intelligent thermoregulation textiles

Phase change material is a kind of material that can absorb or release latent heat from the environment in a certain temperature range. Using this characteristic of phase change material, we can develop thermoregulation textiles with intelligent temperature control and health care functions.

This kind of smart textiles can adjust the internal temperature of textiles freely within a certain temperature range according to the change of ambient temperature. That is, when the ambient temperature rises, the phase change material absorbs heat and stores heat, and when the external temperature drops. The phase change material is heat released and condensed to release heat so that the internal temperature of the textile remains relatively stable. It has wide application value because of its characteristics.

2, shape memory textiles

Shape memory textiles are introduced into textiles by weaving and finishing materials with shape memory function. Under the external conditions such as temperature, mechanical force, light and pH value, textiles with shape memory, high deformation recovery, good earthquake resistance and adaptability are excellent textiles.

For example, Italy Corpo Nove has designed a "lazy shirt": adding nickel, titanium and nylon fibers into the shirt fabric to make it a "shape memory function" feature. When the outside temperature is high, the sleeves of the shirt will automatically roll from wrist to elbow in a few seconds, and when the temperature drops, the sleeves will automatically recover. Shape memory fabrics can be developed with different protective clothing and accessories. With the further research on shape memory materials and the further improvement of textile processing technology, shape memory functional textiles will get greater development.

3, waterproof and moisture permeable textiles

Waterproof and moisture permeable fabric is also called waterproof breathable fabric. It is also known as "respirable fabric" in foreign countries. It is a functional fabric with waterproof, moisture permeable, windproof and thermal insulation functions. This fabric can not only meet the needs of people in the harsh environment such as freezing rain, snow and windy weather. It also applies to people's daily life requirements for raincoats and has broad prospects for development.

Waterproof and moisture permeable fabrics can be obtained in the following ways: water responsive polymers are woven into the fabric in the form of fibers; the waterproof and moisture permeable polymers, such as neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane and so on, are coated onto the surface of the fabric; and all kinds of waterproof, moisture permeable super high density fabrics made of ultra-fine fibers. Besides, the preparation of waterproof and moisture permeable fabric by magnetron sputtering and the use of nanotechnology to increase fabric waterproofing are also in progress.

4, color changing textiles

Chromotropic textiles refer to textiles that show different colors and colors with changes in external environmental conditions such as light, temperature and pressure. Color changing textiles are widely used in various fields due to their unique properties. It can be used for making fashionable color changing clothing and decorative fabrics. It can be used for military camouflage in military field, and can be used as anti-counterfeiting material in the field of anti-counterfeiting. It is widely used in bills, documents and trademarks.

Color changing textiles can be obtained in three ways: adding chromatic fibers to the fabric, dyeing with discoloring dyes, and printing with color changing paint. In the three way, the research and development of chromatic fiber technology is a little late, but its advantages are the most outstanding. The fabric made of it has good hand feel, good washing resistance and long lasting coloring effect.

5, electronic information intelligent textiles

Intelligent textile is an important part of intelligent textiles. At first, it was mainly to install some electronic components on textiles, such as wearable computers, etc., which are mainly used in medical, military, aviation and other important detection areas. With the continuous development of interdisciplinary subjects in the field of electronic information technology and intelligent textiles. Electronic information intelligent textiles have developed rapidly, extending from the military and aviation fields to the life field, bringing more convenience to people's lives.

Recently, sports brand ASICS Arthur's ASICS Ventures Corporation, a venture capital department, invested in a textile textile start-ups, Ai Silk. Ai Silk, founded in 2015, has developed a new type of fiber material, which has high electrical conductivity, which can get some physical data of human body. In addition, the material is made of silk and feels comfortable. At the same time, it can reduce the allergic reaction of human body to the greatest extent.

This investment is part of the ASICS medium-term strategic plan in 2020, and the goal is to develop revolutionary products. Although Ai Silk fabrics are currently widely used in the medical and health care industry, it is widely agreed that the wide development of Ai Silk will largely be applied to the research and development of ASICS's new products in the future, so as to improve the originality of ASICS's future products.

epilogue

The design and development of intelligent textiles have made people see the hope and future of the textile industry. In the future, there will be more fashionable and personalized smart textiles appearing in our life, which will constantly satisfy our growing demand for textiles. Textile and garment enterprises deserve our attention in this field.