E-fibers and yarns have haptics and security applications
May 1st, 2022
Vibrating hand tools like jackhammers can cause vibration syndrome, which has adverse circulatory and neural effects in the fingers. Photo: iStock Electronic or e-yarns are a natural development within e-textiles as the sector strives toward greater miniaturization, flexibility and a more seamless integration of electronics and textiles. What has started to emerge in a relatively […]
Providing your own power
January 1st, 2022
Biofuel cells harvesting energy from sweat, part of a wearable microgrid developed at the Center for Wearable Sensors, UC San Diego. Photo: Lu Yin. Power and efficiency are important drivers in energy harvesting technology for e-textiles, but there is much more to consider. Bulk, weight, flexibility, sustainability, ease of integration and scalability are also among […]
DITF celebrates 100 years of textile innovation
June 1st, 2021
The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) is the largest textile research center in Europe, with roots that go back 100 years to the first German Research Institute for the Textile Industry, established in Reutlingen in 1921. As the institute expanded to additional locations in Stuttgart and Denkendorf, it merged in 1979 to […]
Breakthroughs in advanced textiles: Smart objects that benefit play, on-skin smart interface, and more
October 1st, 2020
Smart objects support the benefits of play London, U.K.-based smart textile designer Michelle Rinow has unveiled her Transforming Touch series, which was developed based on research about the benefits of sensory play for adults. Her design methodology places emphasis on human interaction, connection and engagement through color and materials. Using cotton, silk and nylon blend […]
Sustainability in textiles
May 1st, 2020
As sustainability becomes more important to consumers, suppliers and manufacturers are pressed to verify product claims and become more eco-friendly. by Pamela Mills-Senn There are plenty of fashion trends hitting the runways this season, such as this year’s hottest color (orange is very in), patterns (think floral) and capes—lots of capes. But sustainable fashions are […]