Textile sensors for wearable applications: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Textile based sensors, an emerging class of wearable devices, are a potential platform for next generation, functionality and amenability for the human body incorporating sensing and control. The main purpose of this review is to provide an overview of textile based sensors, sensor substrates, and substrate pre-processing including surface modification of the base substrates. This review also summarizes various conducting polymers and inks, production methods of developing robust conductive fibres or textiles, and different factors affecting the durability and cleaning of conductive textiles. This manuscript also critically examines properties relating to acceptability and performance of textile based sensors which are subjected to wear and care during repeated use e.g. care, maintenance, and durability. This aspect (wear and care) of performance is often ignored during development. Wear and care effects on performance need to be understood and solutions found for extending the life cycle and performance of textile based sensors.