Smart textiles for protective gear

A new book, “Smart Textiles for Protection,” outlines how materials that sense and react to environmental conditions are being integrated into personal protective clothing—and examines a wide range of end-use protective applications. The book explores material types, surface treatments, nanofibers, smart barrier membranes, sensors, actuators and computers in protective wear, and also provides a discussion of biomimetic approaches to design. Part 1 reviews materials and technologies; part 2 investigates specific applications of smart textiles for protection. An international team of expert contributors details specific applications for firefighters, first responders, construction, armored vehicles and chemical exposures.