Manufacturing Techniques and Property Evaluations of Conductive Elastic Knits

Abstract

ABSTRACT The combination of functional electrical products improves the value of textiles, including measurement, detection, and communication. These added values, however, have a negative influence on comfort and consumer acceptance. This study proposes using a knitting technique and conceals the circuit that connects electrical components inside the textiles, thereby ensuring satisfactory comfort and mechanical properties. The pattern designed using a crochet machine is applied to the preparation of conductive elastic knits. During the process, different numbers and types of conductive yarns are incorporated. The stiffness, tensile strength, elastic response rate, air permeability, and electrical resistance of conductive elastic knits are evaluated. The rigidity and electrical resistance test results show that increasing the numbers of conductive yarns results in a lower electrical resistance, as well as a rugged knit surface and exposure of the yarns. Moreover, increasing the numbers of conductive yarns does not pertain to the physical properties of elastic knits, according to the results of air permeability, tensile strength, and elastic recovery tests.