Electronic textile reparability

Abstract

The market for electronic textiles is predicted to expand rapidly, with great benefits expected from some products, at the same time as creating a large and challenging waste stream. The amalgamation of electronics with textiles can lead to shortened product lifetimes, as breakage of either the electronics or textile components can lead to product failure. Reparability is therefore crucial, extending electronic textile lifetimes and decreasing the overall volume of waste produced.Three commercially available electronic textile garments were examined. The assessment revealed varying degrees of reparability, from batteries that could not be replaced to fully rechargeable and removable components. Standard clothing care processes, such as washing and ironing, could limit maintenance and cause irreversible damage to electronic components.Running counter to the design and engineering objective of full integration between textile and electronics, a modular approach to electronic textiles, where electronics are held in pockets rather than integrated into textile structures, should be reconsidered to prolong product lifetime by enabling maintenance and repair. Labelling could inform users about appropriate care of the electronics within electronic textiles, but presence of electronics was not always mentioned. The findings of this study provide rich descriptive data about the reparability of products in a rapidly growing market.

E-Textile Technology Review–From Materials to Application

“…Research into e-textile manufacture has largely focused on integration of electronic materials into the textile. Limited research exists on the recyclability of e-textiles to allow a sustainable circular economy [292]. The current standard, IPC-8921, that was finalized by the IPC D-72 E-Textiles Materials Subcommittee only gives requirements for conductive fibers and conductive yarns, including standardized key characteristics, durability testing, and industry test methods [293].…”

A review of connectors and joining technologies for electronic textiles

“…B, Levi's® Commuter™ Trucker jacket with Jacquard™ by Google, featuring a USB tag that attaches to the jacket cuff. Reproduced with permission 106 . Copyright 2020, Elsevier.…”

“…Hardy et al 106 argue for modular design in e‐textiles, where electronic circuitry and be separated from textiles with relative ease. They highlight the fact that the Levi's® Commuter™ Trucker jacket with Jacquard™ by Google, 10 which has touch sensors embedded in the jacket's left cuff, can only be washed 10 times, which is a low number for a denim garment which would typically last for 5 years.…”

“…Köhler 114 points out that when e-textiles break through to mass markets, this will create a new waste stream of products that cannot be recycled in either textile or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling. Hardy et al 106 argue for modular design in e-textiles, where electronic circuitry and be separated from textiles with relative ease. They highlight the fact that the Levi's® Commuter™ Trucker jacket with Jacquard™ by Google, 10 which has touch sensors embedded in the jacket's left cuff, can only be washed 10 times, which is a low number for a denim garment which would typically last for 5 years.…”

Evaluation of a Spring-Finger Based, Magnetic Connector Concept for Reliable E-Textile Interconnects

“…E-textile devices hold promise in several areas, however the aim of completely integrating electronic components into the textile host has led to devices that are hard to repair or separate for recycling [1], [2]. Taking a more modular approach to designing e-textile devices would lead to improvements in these areas, but doing so requires reliable, impermanent electrical connectors between modules.…”