This paper gives an overview of technologies and results of integration and test of textile integrated sensors and electrodes for monitoring of biosignals (electrocardiographic - ECG and electromyographic - EMG), breathing and moisture. Using a seamless jacquard knitting machine, it is possible to integrate these sensors and electrodes directly into the fabrics, which can then be used in clothing for monitoring of elderly people, in sports or in hazardous occupations. The total integration of the sensing elements and connections into the garment presents great advantages in physical as well as psychological comfort of the user. It has been shown that the measurements are of adequate quality for most of the applications. In some cases, as is the case of ECG and EMG, signals acquired are similar to those obtained using conventional electrodes.

The development of new thermoplastic polymer‐based piezoelectric sensors with filament geometry is described. These filaments are appropriate for integration into textiles and provide new possibilities in the design and development of low‐cost flexible sensors produced at high rates. The developed three‐layered piezoelectric monofilaments have been produced by coextrusion using poly(vinylidene fluoride) and two different polypropylene‐based electrically conductive polymers. Filaments with about 800‐µm diameter, producing electrical signals proportional to the mechanical deformation applied, were obtained. The signal output has been found adequate for straightforward use with conventional piezoelectric signal conditioning systems. One of the conductive polymers tested allowed better filament geometry and process stability. This article describes the coextrusion production process and the results obtained in the electromechanical tests performed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40710.

This paper presents the development of a moisture sensor matrix based on textile materials provided with conductive yarns. The measurement principle is based on the measurement of electrical resistance of the textile. The main purpose of this work is to support research on the prevention of pressure ulcers in people committed to bed rest or using wheelchairs. In the first stage of development, the project is studying the relation between physical parameters, exposure time and the levels of discomfort and pain experienced by the patients. In a later stage, the underlying measurement and evaluation principles will be used to develop single sensors or sensor matrixes to be connected to active patient monitoring systems able to warn in situations of excess of moisture and/or pressure (produced by sweat, open wounds, incontinence, etc.).

This paper presents a system that allows the measurement of parameters of needle penetration during high-speed sewing. The system has been developed as a tool for analysis of the most important mechanical effects occurring during high-speed sewing. It allows the measurement of several sewing process variables, namely the needle penetration and withdrawal forces. The objective of this work is the development of real-time control and monitoring devices, as well as offline process planning tools for industrial sewing. The evaluation of needle penetration forces is a particularly critical aspect. A fault-free needle penetration depends mainly on the material's properties and needle choice. Needle penetration force is one of the variables whose measurement is important for the pre-screening analysis of quality problems (‘sewability testing’) and for real-time quality monitoring. This article describes the experimental results obtained and discusses potential applications in process planning tools and monitoring devices.