A recent review article in the journal Energies emphasized the increasing interest in fabric-type wearable electronics, highlighting their potential to offer comfortable experiences. These devices can conformably coat human skin without causing discomfort, presenting advantages over traditional rigid, plate-structured devices. This flexibility makes them suitable for a wide range of daily applications.
The diverse range of stretchable structural designs: (a) kirigami structure; (b) buckling structure; (c) island–bridge structure; (d) serpentine pattern (reprinted with permission from Ref. [63], copyright 2024 The Royal Society of Chemistry). Image Credit: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/11/2627
The review addresses the challenges encountered with traditional wearable devices, particularly the discomfort due to the mismatch in mechanical properties between the human body and electronic components. Fabric-type wearable electronics seek to mitigate these issues by incorporating electronic elements into flexible and stretchable textiles, thereby allowing for more harmonious integration with the human body.
Studies Highlighted in the Review
A key study featured in the review explores the integration of metallic composite yarns with polymeric/thermochromic microcapsule composite fibers using a melt-spinning technique. This method has led to the creation of an electrothermally responsive fabric that alters its color in response to temperature changes. The fusion of metallic yarns for electrical conductivity with thermochromic microcapsules for color alteration illustrates the possibilities for developing smart textiles with dynamic visual effects.
Another important study discussed in the review deals with the stability testing of smart wearable electronic devices, especially supercapacitors that use multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanocomposite electrodes. These supercapacitors have shown excellent stability and maintained performance across numerous charge-discharge cycles, demonstrating the potential for improving energy storage capabilities in fabric-type wearable electronics through advanced nanocomposite materials.
The review also emphasizes a study on the chemical stability of display textiles, particularly those made from polyurethane ionic gel fibers. These fibers proved to retain their chemical stability over 16 days without additional sealing, highlighting their potential for durable, long-lasting smart textiles capable of withstanding environmental challenges while retaining their functionality.
Additionally, a study focusing on flexible energy textiles revealed promising results concerning long-term performance and stability. These textiles, characterized by high photovoltaic efficiency and air stability, maintained consistent functionality for over 60 days under ambient conditions. This research stresses the need for protective measures to ensure the durability and reliability of energy-harvesting textiles in wearable electronics applications.
Review Findings and Discussion
The studies documented in the review have made significant strides in material integration, stability testing, and functional performance, setting the stage for the development of cutting-edge smart textiles with improved capabilities.
The melding of metallic composite yarns with polymeric/thermochromic microcapsule composite fibers through a melt-spinning technique has produced electrothermally responsive fabrics that respond to temperature variations with color changes. This innovative approach highlights the potential for creating smart textiles that dynamically adapt to environmental stimuli. The successful integration of metallic yarns and thermochromic microcapsules paves the way for new interactive and adaptive applications in textile-based electronics.
In terms of stability testing, the examination of supercapacitors featuring MWCNT and MoO3 nanocomposite electrodes has returned promising results, with these devices displaying excellent stability and sustained performance across multiple cycles. This advances the energy storage capacity of fabric-type wearable electronics and underscores the importance of using sophisticated nanocomposite materials for energy efficiency and long-term reliability in energy-harvesting applications.
The review notes that research into the chemical stability of display textiles, focusing particularly on polyurethane ionic gel fibers, has shown these materials to possess impressive chemical stability without the need for additional sealing, indicating their suitability for creating durable and long-lasting smart textiles. This insight is crucial for developing protective measures that preserve the functionality and longevity of textile-based electronics against environmental and operational challenges.
Furthermore, the study on flexible energy textiles has demonstrated significant long-term performance and stability, with the textiles operating effectively for over 60 days in ambient conditions. This finding highlights the importance of protective measures to enhance the durability and reliability of these textiles for practical wearable electronics applications, showcasing their capability to power devices like cell phones and marking a considerable advancement in wearable technology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the review underscores the transformative potential of fabric-type wearable electronics in the wearable technology arena. By combining multiple functionalities like stretchability, hydrophobicity, stability, air permeability, and color-change capability, these devices offer enhanced comfort and are poised for broader adoption in the future.
The review advocates for the development of smart wearable electronics that are not only highly functional but also resilient across diverse challenging environments, opening new avenues for innovative daily life applications.
Journal Reference
Xiang, H., Li, Y., et al. (2024). Recent Advances in Smart Fabric-Type Wearable Electronics toward Comfortable Wearing. Energies, 17, 2627. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112627, https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/11/2627