TIIWS

Thin multilayered PVDF based piezo co-polymer for Textile Integrated Intelligent Wearable Self-sustained monitoring and safety applications in garment and footwear

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Main objective of the Project is to integrate advanced polymers with piezoelectrical and electrostrictive properties in textiles, in order to develop advanced products, garments and footwear, to be applied for safety, sensing and monitoring applications. Project is based on the experience of the Partners involved in a comprehensive value-chain. S/T Objectives are related to the Polymer adaptation, poling and integration with textile substrates, application into garment and footwear systems and their validation in real products. The TIIWS Project attempts to introduce intelligence in everyday products, according to a well-established research and new product development trend. The approach is to exploit functional materials that can be fused in invisible way within the products, which act as sensors while absolving their functions (garments and shoes). The innovation associated with TIIWS Project runs in the direction of overcoming the lack in integration of the sensing elements into smart products, their lasting and the quality of response to stimuli. The progress introduced within TIIWS Project is such that the exclusive technologies developed and available within the hi-tech SME PIELLE with the external support of the material supplier SOLVAY SOLEXIS S.p.A. is furthered into products providing concrete advancement to the whole partnership of the SMEs covering the whole manufacturing value-chain. The products and associated business generated are relevant for the strong impact at European level in smart products, and to develop knowledge relevant to implement the concepts into advanced systems and products in diverse technical fields.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Despite technical advances, the integration of sensors into textiles and footwear still faces several challenges. EU-funded scientists are overcoming these with novel polymers and processing technology to produce intelligent materials for numerous applications.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Traditional electromechanical smart sensors efficiently monitor body signals and vital signs associated with pressure, temperature and motion. However, there have been technical challenges when it comes to integration with garments and footwear. Such intelligent materials can significantly improve safety in harsh and often dangerous environments, such as the construction workers, first responders in emergencies and fire fighters.

Scientists working on the EU-funded project http://www.tiiws-project.eu/ (TIIWS) are developing innovative sensors based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric copolymers. PVDF copolymers have excellent chemical, abrasion, heat and flame resistance as well as ultraviolet stability. As such, it can overcome current barriers, including inherent fragility and low power transformation efficiency.

Research and technological development is focused on polymeric poling (to establish the electrical and mechanical axes of the piezoelectric material through application of a direct current poling field) and integration of the process with the textile production chain. The end result will be automated assembly of a layered design for the material with suitable micro-structure to transform relevant stimuli into adequate levels of current and voltage.

Scientists optimised polymer formulations and pre-processing, and designed a multi-layered composite consisting of active polymer, electrodes and protective layers. The textile-based piezoelectric materials demonstrate enhanced flexibility, durability, reliability and power generation, overcoming the limitations of traditional piezoelectric materials.

Sensors and active materials were integrated into material active sensing systems with tailored 3D arrangement to conform to specific end-use applications. These sensing textile systems were then incorporated into smart garments and footwear, creating new product and market opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises working in the smart textiles sector.

TIIWS has overcome current challenges to integration of piezoelectric sensing functionality into garments and footwear with novel polymers and processing techniques. Enhanced signal response, durability and reliability will enhance marketability, intelligently improving the safety and comfort of athletes, the elderly, and those working in hazardous environments.