Textiles

Researchers from the UK's University of Cambridge and China's Capital Medical University and Beihang University have developed a washable, skin-compatible smart garment sleep monitoring system that uses graphene sensors to capture local skin strain signals under weak device–skin coupling conditions without positioning or skin preparation requirements. 

The monitoring of sleep behavior begins by detecting subtle vibrations at the extrinsic laryngeal muscle, which are induced by physiological vibrations emanating from various anatomical locations such as the velum, oropharynx, tongue, and epiglottis. These vibrations are then captured by a six-channel strain sensor array printed onto the collar of a garment. The signals from the channel with the strongest response are processed by a deep learning neural network, SleepNet, which is designed for recognizing and analyzing sleep patterns. Image from PNAS

The comfortable, washable ‘smart pajamas' can monitor sleep disorders such as sleep apnea at home, without the need for sticky patches, cumbersome equipment or a visit to a specialist sleep clinic.

Birla Cellulose, Cellulosic Fibres division of Grasim Industries Ltd, has announced the signing of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with LNJ Bhilwara Group Companies (RSWM Limited & TACC Limited) as the next step forward in the development of graphene technology for textile applications.

Undet this collaboration, TACC Limited will supply graphene derivatives to Birla Cellulose, and Birla Cellulose will integrate TACC’s graphene derivatives into the production of viscose fibers. RSWM Limited will use these graphene-enhanced viscose fibers for textile manufacturing.

A research team, led by the University of Southampton and UWE Bristol, has developed graphene-based wearable electronic textiles (e-textiles) that are sustainable and biodegradable. In their new study, the team (which also involved the universities of Exeter, Cambridge, Leeds and Bath), describes and tests a new sustainable approach for fully inkjet-printed, eco-friendly e-textiles named 'Smart, Wearable, and Eco-friendly Electronic Textiles', or 'SWEET'.

a) Schematic of two important vital signs: skin surface temperature and heart rate of the human body. b) Schematic of wearable e-textiles as gloves. c) Schematic of the position of wearable textile electrode on human skin surface contact. d) Schematic of the textile electrode. e) Schematic of the textile electrodes' composition. f) Schematic of sustainable design approach for wearable e-textiles, including sustainable materials, sustainable manufacturing, and sustainability assessment. Image from: Energy and Environmental Materials

E-textiles are usually embedded with electrical components, such as sensors, batteries or lights. They might be used in fashion, for performance sportwear, or for medical purposes as garments that monitor people's vital signs. Such textiles need to be durable, safe to wear and comfortable, but also, in an industry which is increasingly concerned with clothing waste, they need to be easy on the environment when no longer required.

Researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials and Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SEOULTECH) have shown that laser-induced graphene (LIG), patterned with femtosecond laser pulses, can serve as a versatile material for temperature/strain sensing, stray light absorption, and heat management for smart spacesuits and telescopes. 

Direct laser writing of laser-induced graphene (LIG). Image from: Advanced Functional Materials 

The team has developed a manufacturing technique that addresses the challenges posed by the harsh conditions that space equipment must function in. The scientists' new process uses precisely controlled laser pulses to transform a Kevlar's surface into a porous graphene structure, effectively converting ordinary Kevlar fabric into a multifunctional material. 

DUER, an innovative denim company, has launched its new Performance Flannel that is enhanced with graphene. The fabric is said to regulate body temperature without feeling heavy, fight static and stay fresh longer. 

“Graphene caught our attention as a Nobel prize-winning nano-fiber with exceptional performance properties that don’t impact a fabric’s weight, breathability, or soft feel,” said Gary Lennett, CEO of DUER. “We’ve integrated graphene into our Performance Flannel to provide enhanced thermal regulation— keeping you warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot. Added to that, it fights static and keeps clothing fresh longer, marking a significant step in the future of textiles.”

While silk protein has been used in designer electronics, its use is currently limited in part because silk fibers are a messy tangle of spaghetti-like strands. To address this, researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, University of Washington, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, North Carolina State University and Xiamen University have developed a uniform two-dimensional (2D) layer of silk protein fragments, or "fibroins," on graphene. 

Scheme of silk fibroin assembly on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) characterized by in situ AFM. Image from Science Advances

The scientists explained that their work provides a reproducible method for silk protein self-assembly that is essential for designing and fabricating silk-based electronics. They said that the system is nontoxic and water-based, which is vital for biocompatibility.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge, University College London, Imperial College London, Kumoh National Institute of Technology (KIT) and Beihang University have developed a wearable ‘smart’ choker for speech recognition, that has the potential to redefine the field of silent speech interface (SSI) thanks to embedded ultrasensitive textile strain sensor technology.

Where verbal communication is hindered, such as in locations with lots of background noise or where an individual has an existing speech impairment, SSI systems are a cutting-edge solution, enabling verbal communication without vocalization. As such, it is a type of electronic lip-reading using human-computer interaction. In their recent research, the scientists applied an overlying structured graphene layer to an integrated textile strain sensor for robust speech recognition performance, even in noisy environments.

As part of an effort to promote self-reliance, the Indian government's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has granted seven new projects to private MSMEs and start-ups in the defense industry, under the Technology Development Fund scheme. 

One of these projects aims to develop graphene-Based smart & e-textiles for multifunctional wearable applications. Alohatech has been granted funding for this project, which will focus on developing conductive yarn and fabric-making processes using graphene nanomaterials and conductive inks. 

Researchers at Spain's IMDEA Materials Institute, Rey Juan Carlos University and Valladolid University have developed a new spray coating to improve the antiviral efficacy of personal protective equipment, notably face masks.   

The team's system is based on nanoplatelets of graphene oxide (GO) spray coated via a simple one-step procedure over a poly(lactic acid) textile fabric, allowing a homogeneous coating. The incorporation of GO does not affect the textile structure nor its air permeability, while it increases its water contact angle, potentially preventing droplet trespassing. 

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has welcomed Sydney sailing apparel company Zhik as an official supplier for Australian Olympic Team sailors at the Paris Olympics. 

The eco-friendly water sports apparel by Zhik will be made from sustainable, plant-based Yulex rubber, with superior thermal insulation, comfort and durability, all while generating 80% fewer CO₂ emissions than conventional neoprene wetsuits. The fabric is infused with graphene, that can help return up to 20% more body heat, keeping bodies warmer for longer, regulating temperatures during low-intensity activities and aiding the drying process.