The influence of the washing cycles on the functionality of the electric-embroidered element

• Published in: Journal of the Textile Institute 2022-07, Vol.113 (7), p.1472-1478
• Main Authors: Jucienė, Milda, Dobilaitė, Vaida, Juchnevičienė, Žaneta, Bliūdžius, Raimondas, Briedis, Ugis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Contours; Electrical resistance; Electrical resistivity; Embroidered element; Rehabilitation; Sewing; Smart buildings; Smart materials; Smart sensors; Washing
• ISSN: 0040-5000; 1754-2340
• DOI: 10.1080/00405000.2021.1933803

In modern production, embroidered elements perform not only traditional functions of decorativeness, informativeness, but are also used in such areas as medical diagnostics and rehabilitation (e.g. embroidered sensors), implant production, smart home interior elements, smart clothing or electronic textile production. The aim of the work is to investigate and evaluate the influence of different washing cycles performed during operation on the functionality of an electric-embroidered element. It was found that after the first washing, the electrical resistance of the embroidered elements decreased compared to the unwashed specimens. After seven washings, the electrical resistance increased. In all cases, the obtained strong linear dependence between the electrical resistance and the operating cycles indicates that, with a larger number of washing cycles, the electrical conductivity of the embroidered elements decreases. The results showed that the conductivity of the closed embroidered chain of embroidered 14 mm contour width elements was obtained from ∼ 34% to ∼ 61% higher than the conductivity of 6 mm contour width elements.