Developing liquid-crystal functionalized fabrics for wearable sensors

Abstract

Textiles are the most universal wearable interface. Textile functionality is being rapidly expanded to incorporate a wide range of new technologies. A new concept of combining liquid crystals with fibers effectively incorporates all of the functionality associated with liquid crystals. In this article we report how liquid crystals can be incorporated into fibers and fabrics that respond visually to temperature. Looking to the future, we can envision how these liquid-crystal fabrics can be designed to respond to chemical and biological stimuli, signaling the presence of bacteria and viruses, and opening the potential for wearable medical sensors. In addition to the visual response, the fabrics can provide an electrical output, allowing them to be integrated into more sophisticated sensing systems.