Investigating Smart Textiles Based on Shape Memory Materials

Abstract

The emergence of high performance fibers and Smart textiles has led to the development of new textiles having sensing, adapting and reacting capabilities. Textile designers are exploring unorthodox areas for inspiration for the production of new and pioneering textiles. This paper investigates Smart aspects of textiles based on shape memory materials particularly for enhancing the aesthetics of woven interior textiles. Shape memory alloy and shape memory polymer have been modified to allow the materials to be incorporated into the woven structure. Through yarn spinning, hybrid blends have been produced; the aesthetic engineering of which has provided new woven textiles that are capable of sensing a temperature change and reacting by changing to a prescribed shape. Examples of applications for these new dynamic textiles will be described and discussed.

Keywords

shape memory alloy shape memory polymer woven fabric design interior

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Otsuka, K. , and Wayman, C.M. , “ Shape Memory Materials,” Cambridge University Press , Cambridge, 1998.

Newnman, R.E. and Ruschau, G.R. , Smart Electroceramics. Am. Soc. Bull. 75(10), 51—61 (1996).

Russell, D.A. , Hayashi, S. , and Yamada, T. , The Potential Use of Shape Memory Film in Clothing, Asian Textile J., 8(2), 72— 74 (1999).

Van Humbeeck, J. , Non-medical Applications of Shape Memory Alloys, Mater. Sci. Eng, A273-275, 134—148 (1999).

Hodgson, D.E. , and Biermann, R.J. , “ Shape Memory Alloys,” Shape Memory Applications Inc., Santa Clara, California, 1999.

Clowes, S. , Smart Shirt Rolls up its Sleeves, http://www.news.bbc.co.uk, 2002

www.corponove.it

www.diaplex.com

Chan, Y.F.F. , Winchester, R.C.C. , Wan, T.Y. , and Stylios, G.K. , The Concept of Aesthetic Intelligence of Textile Fabrics and Their Application for Interior and Apparel, in IFFTI International Conference Proceedings, Hong Kong, 2002 .

10.

Kobayashi, K., and Hayashi, S. “Woven Fabric made of Shape Memory Polymer”, US Patent, 5128197, 7 July 1992.

11.

Shirai, Y. , and Hayashi, S. , Development of Polymeric Shape Material, Mitsubishi Bull. , 1, 1—5 (1988).

12.

McFarlen, S. , Shining Examples, IDFX, 45, 15—19 (2002)

13.

Trow, A. , Nuclear Reaction, IDFX, 30, (2001).

14.

Heppenstall, S. , Colour Psychology, Interior Design, 15(3) 27— 28 (2003).