Innovative textiles that detect blood & monitor health

23 Mar '09

1 min read

Researchers from the University of Michigan have come up with a new process of manufacturing a smart yarn with the ability to conduct electricity. Apparels made from this yarn will be able to detect blood, and can be used in health monitoring programmes.

Fabrics that are manufactured currently using metallic and optical fibres will wear away quickly. Furthermore, they also tend to be uncomfortable to the wearer. Maintenance of these fabrics becomes a cumbersome process.

The new process of manufacturing involves a cotton yarn with 1.5 millimeter thickness that is being immersed in polymer ethanol solution. This enables the yarn to conduct power from a battery to illuminate light emitting diode device.

Anti-albumin is added in the solution which will react with albumin, a protein content found in blood. Once the fibre comes in contact with the albumin in blood, its conductivity increases.

Connected with a telecommunication device, when a soldier wearing this apparel gets wounded, and becomes unconscious, it operates the mobile phone and sends distress message to the command post. These garments can be used in medical field, as performance garments, and many others.

Click here to read the complete article.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

More Textiles News - United States Of America...