Evolution of Smart Textiles for Possible Applications of Lignocellulosic Fibres

During the past few years researchers and technologists have been inspired to develop fabrics that have higher levels of functions and smartness. Fibre and textile technology were coupled with material sciences, electronics, optical sciences, biochemistry, and nanotechnology to bring out novel and smart products. Smart textiles are referred to that textile fabric or clothing that can sense and react to environmental conditions or can be stimulated by mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical or magnetic resources (Xiaoping Tao, 2001). New generation of materials such as conductive polymers, photo-sensitive material, shape memory materials and other have been introduced. This article, however, deals with converting common fibres/fabrics into functional textiles.

Basic textile (yarn and fabric) manufacturing has gradually been moved to Asia and other countries since the early nineties’ where the cost of manufacturing is relatively lower than western nations. These basic textiles are being converted into smart fabrics, sometimes just by the application of finishes for specific functions, and the product value increases very significantly by securing new markets. This article deals with smart fabrics that are produced from basic natural or natural/synthetic fabrics using unique finishing methods and the embedding of optical sensors that lead to multiple applications. Lignocellulose jute fabric can also be the basic substrate in the building block of these smart textiles. Thermo- regulating textiles, agent releasing textiles, and sensor-embedded textiles are some examples that will be presented here.