Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
formable. Two- and three-dimensional fabrication techniques are available
to provide a preformed network to incorporate and connect a large number
of nodes. Also available are a large number of crossover points that can be
exploited for fault-tolerance in signal routing and low-level computing.
Multilayered textile systems can be made to mimic film transistors and
printed wiring-board structures. Textile market economics drive manufac-
turing towards large-area, high-throughput and cost effective technologies.
There is a broad spectrum of functions that may be incorporated into
textiles:
•
sensing
: large areas, simple modification methods, large number of
sensors,
platform modular sensors (acoustic,
chemical/biochemical,
thermal, optical, etc.);
•
actuation
: multiple nano/micro actuation to achieve macro effect,
shaping, conforming, variable porosity, affecting surrounding environ-
ment/fluid;
•
power sources/generation
: fibre batteries/ fuel cells/solar cells;
•
communication
: connectivity, fibre optics.
8.4.4
Production of electrotextiles
Despite the potential of creating innovative electrotextile products from
each fabric-production methodology, weaving is the most promising tech-
nology for producing electrotextiles, owing to the combined advantages of
weaving and woven structures that cannot be found with any other process.
Woven fabrics are characterised by their lightweight, conformability, flexi-
bility, durability, high tensile and tear strength, possibility for obtaining mul-
tilayers, high thread density, dimensional stablility, easy recovery from high
stresses and high fabric width of up to 12 m. Weaving technology is good
for short runs as well as long runs; it is highly automated, and versatile, being
capable of handling a wide range of yarn types including ribbon yarns, as
well as a broad range of yarn size, highly twisted yarns, and rigid rods. Addi-
tional advantages that are relevant to the formation of electrotextiles by
the weaving process are:
•Weaving zone is spacious and can accommodate additional devices
to automate the formation of interconnections/disconnections while
weaving.
• Different yarns of different physical and mechanical properties can be
woven into the same fabric by adding creel behind the weaving machine
or by adjusting filling yarn feeders.
•Woven fabrics have ordered structure in which warp and filling yarns
are precisely addressed and controlled.
