Novel stretchable textile-based transmission bands: Electrical performance and appearance after abrasion/laundering, and wearability

Abstract

In this paper, we (1) compare the electrical performances and appearance changes of two textile-based transmission bands after repeated abrasion and laundering, and (2) evaluate their wearability with MP3 player jackets. The bands were made with non-stretchable Teflon-coated stainless steel yarns, or stretchable silicon-coated stainless steel yarns and spandex. The electrical resistance of the bands after repeated abrasion and laundering was measured with a RCL (resistance capacitance inductance) meter. The appearance changes were observed using a digital microscope. For wear tests, five subjects evaluated the degree of convenience while doing specific actions and other wear sensations using questionnaires with a 7-point Likert-type scale. Both non-stretchable and stretchable transmission bands were evaluated as excellent on electrical performances. Appearance changes after abrasion were tolerable, and there were neither exposure nor disconnection of stainless steel yarns. Convenience and other wear sensations for the MP3 player jacket using stretchable silicon-coated bands were evaluated as better than non-stretchable Teflon-coated bands. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.