Evaluation of the electrical integrity of E-textiles subjected to environmental conditions

E-textiles contain electrically conductive elements and electronic devices that are integrated in textile substrate. Wearable e-textiles are expected to perform like textiles in terms of breathability, conformability, and comfort despite the presence of the electrically conductive elements and electronics. E-textiles are also expected to provide reliable data and signal processing like electronic devices while they are subjected to normal wear and tear under different environmental conditions. The goal of this research was to investigate the electrical integrity of e-textiles while they are subjected to environmental conditions. Different woven samples of electronic-improved outer tactical vest with two narrow conductive traces woven in the warp direction were subjected to range of temperatures and humidity, including extreme conditions. The effects of formation parameters (e-yarn type, number of e-yarns/trace, and weldability), temperature, and humidity on the integrity of the e-textiles were studied. It was found that resistance of networks was affected by changes in air temperature and humidity and the quality of the weld had the greatest impact on electrical integrity of the conductive network. This impact was pronounced in more extreme environmental conditions, which revealed that there was a strong interaction between the weldability, temperature, and humidity.