Performance characteristics of technical textiles: Part I: E-textiles

Abstract This chapter is the first of three chapters in this book dealing with technical textiles. The term “technical” is introduced to this category of textiles not to imply that traditional textiles were not highly technical and often very sophisticated but rather to reflect the enormous expansion of the use of fibrous structures into many nontraditional applications with specific technical functions. In contrast with the development of most traditional textiles, where ideas often stem from conventional wisdom, fashion or style change, and long experience with existing products, the development of technical textiles stems from full realization of the specific function of the fibrous structure in relation to the integrated assembly of the end product. This is a direct result of the fact that technical textile components are hardly stand-alone products as they must be used in conjunction or in adherence with other components of the final product assembly. After a brief review of key points on the development of technical textiles, the discussion will be shifted to E-textiles. This type of products has become an independent category in its own to the point that no one uses the term “technical” to describe it anymore. Key performance characteristics of E-textiles will be discussed. These include conductivity (alloys and polymer based) and shape-memory characteristics. Some applications of E-textiles will also be discussed including breathable textiles, self-adapted and self-retained textiles, and water-managed textiles. The chapter will then close with discussion on key aspects of product developments and design conceptualizations of E-textiles.