Woodhead Publishing Intelligent Textiles and Clothing (Woodhead Publishing Series in Textiles)

Intelligent textiles and clothing can be defined as those which react to exterior or physiological stimuli. This important book brings together research in the area. The book is divided into parts, each one containing an overview chapter followed by specific research and applications. Its main focus is on phase change materials, shape memory textiles, chromic and conductive materials. It is an essential read for anyone wanting to know more about intelligent textiles. Key Features: summarises the main types of intelligent textiles and their uses; reviews phase change materials and their role in clothing; discusses shape memory materials and their applications; looks at specialist clothing including protective, sports and outdoor wear and medical textiles. Contents: Intelligent textiles and clothing a part of our intelligent ambience; Methods and models for intelligent garment design. Part 1 Phase change material: Introduction to phase change materials; Intelligent textiles with PCMs; The use of phase change materials in outdoor clothing. Part 2 Shape memory materials: Introduction to shape memory materials; Temperature sensitive shape memory polymers for smart textile applications; Development of shape memory alloy fabrics for composite structures; Study of shape memory polymer films for breathable textiles; Engineering textile and clothing aesthetics using shape changing materials. Part 3 Chromic and conductive materials: Introduction to chromic materials; Solar textiles, production and distribution of electricity coming from solar radiation; Introduction to conductive materials; Formation of electrical circuits in textile structures; Stability enhancement of polypyrrole coated textiles; Electrical, morphological and electromechanical properties of conductive polymers fibres (yarns); Multipurpose textile based sensors; Textile micro system technology. Part 4 Applications: Wear care usability of intelligent materials in work wear; Intelligent textiles for medical and monitoring applications; Context aware textiles for wearable health assistants; Intelligent garments in pre-hospital emergency care; Intelligent textiles for children; Wearable biofeedback systems; Applications for woven electrical fabrics.