Structural design and physical characteristics of modified ring-spun yarns intended for e-textiles: A comparative study

Abstract

E-textiles based on yarn-based sensors have been a topic of intense research. In our previous paper, a straightforward way for fabricating tri-component elastic-conductive composite yarns (t-ECCYs) with a unique architecture applicable to yarn-based sensors was proposed using a modified ring-spinning frame. Herein, a comparative analysis of the physical characteristics of t-ECCY, bi-component elastic composite yarn (b-ECY), bi-component conductive composite yarn (b-CCY), and single rayon yarn (s-RY) are presented, in detail, in terms of tensile behavior, elastic recovery, electrical resistance, unevenness, and hairiness. In particular, a systematic study of the tensile and conductive properties of yarns appropriate for e-textiles, that is, t-ECCY and b-CCY, are highlighted. In addition, a non-invasive structure verification technique is conducted to identify the dispositions of constituents inside the yarn. It is found that the t-ECCY exhibits a remarkable improvement over the other yarns, having robust tensile properties, super elasticity, stable electrical durability, lower unevenness, and hairiness. A simple tensile model has been proposed to predict the t-ECCY’s tensile strength, and the substantial improvement in the tensile properties of t-ECCY compared with the b-CCY can be associated with the distinctive yarn structure. The stretch-deformation mechanism of coils in the t-ECCY is, initially, separation of adjacent surfaces of coils and gradual unwinding till free. Benefiting from its superior conductivity and elasticity after single/cyclic stretch tests as well as other properties, the t-ECCY itself can serve as a sensing element, which could be a highly valuable use for specific purposes in smart textiles.

Multifunctional Stretchable Conductive Woven Fabric Containing Metal Wire with Durable Structural Stability and Electromagnetic Shielding in the X-Band

“…The t-ECCY used in this study was prepared as per our reported work [30][31][32][33], which employed an elastane filament (EF) of 140 D in the core and a stainless steel filament (SSF) of 30 μm in diameter, combined with the rayon staple fibers (RFs) that were spun around the elastane core. The EF, SSF and RFs were purchased from Haining Kaiwei Textile Co., Ltd., Laiwu Longzhi Metal Yarn Co., Ltd., China, and Xianyang China Resources Textile Co., Ltd., respectively.…”

“…To simultaneously integrate these intriguing properties for a woven stretchable fabric, including elasticity, flexibility, cyclic durability, excellent EMI shielding performance, and easy processing, herein, we prepared a woven fabric incorporating tri-component, elastic-conductive composite yarns (t-ECCYs) [30][31][32][33][34] along its weft direction, which can be applied for radar and thermal camouflage in military applications. The EMSE values of the fabric in the X-band frequency range under different testing conditions, e.g., single elongation, cyclic stretching, and lamination, were systematically investigated.…”

Strand-spacing dependency on the tensile response of tri-component elastic-conductive composite yarns

“…The SSF was used as a conductive material with a diameter of 30 mm, and the EF was taken as an elastic one with a linear density of 15.56 tex. t-ECCYs were prepared through our reported method, 16,17 as illustrated in Figure 1(a). The SSF was steadily fed in at the center of the RR, forming a nominal SSF core yarn at the first convergence point A, and then the combinations joined with EF at a certain distance by means of an ingenious grooved roller at the second convergence point B of the twisting-triangle zone to form a t-ECCY.…”

“…In this context, a tri-component elastic-conductive composite yarn (t-ECCY) with a distinct asymmetry in its twisting-triangle zone during the spinning process comes into being from our research group. 16,17 Also, of various spinning parameters, the strand spacing is considered as key in the final design and optimization of yarns. For these reasons, the issues outlined above should be adequately addressed.…”

Recent Advances in Soft E-Textiles

“…E-textiles are unique in that they are ultra-lightweight, stretchable and flexible, intrinsically warm, and conformable [32]. E-textiles have been used in micro/nanofiber-based apparel with integrated electronics and have assumed body-attachable forms; their key constituents with adjustable designs thus have been significantly commercialized [33,34].…”