The purpose of the research discussed in this article is to explore the possibility of creating hybrid soft ballistic panel (BP) package variants by integrating into their composition layers of graphene-modified para-aramid fabrics in combinations with the different ballistic Kevlar textiles to improve the durability of the first layers of the soft ballistic panel. To address this goal, the liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE) method was used for integrating dispersions into composites to solve a number of topical problems in the stages of the technological sequence development of processing methods and optimizing processing parameters in accordance with the processing specifics of aramid textiles to achieve the desired properties of modified ballistic fabric, including the provision of coating adhesion to the surface to be modified. To test the results, ballistic experiments were performed and the back-face signature (BFS) of bullet impact on a backing material was analysed according to standards. Bullet impacts on the first ballistic protective fabric layers were also studied.

Lately there have been a growing demand for energy sources that are suitable for powering smart textiles. A number of promising prototypes have been developed, many of which address important issues, but only to face new challenges. In this paper we propose a new approach to the development of energy source for smart textiles in order to overcome these challenges. The main feature of the new design is that the electrolyte is separated from the electrodes and is applied only when the cell needs to be activated. This makes shelf-life virtually infinite. We stress that this solution is suitable for specific applications only, outlined in the paper. The main aim of this study is to test viability of such an approach, using only textile materials. The presented electrical characteristics of the new battery should be assessed in this context. The main components of the battery include aluminium anode, air cathode and the shell made from cotton fabric. The paper focuses on the choice of textile-based materials for the anode and the cathode, since non-textile materials were used in these components in the original design. Besides that, the pure metal wire meshes have shown to be prone to oxidation. The new materials should address that issue as well. Electrical characteristics of the new design of the battery are measured, which confirm that there is no loss in battery performance. Next steps for further development of a multicell flexible textile battery, based on the results presented in this study, are outlined at the end of the paper.

There is one component that virtually any embedded wearable needs—a power source. This paper proposes an energy source, which contains no harmful substances, can be stored in a stand-by dry state for indefinite time period, is flexible and has tactile characteristics similar to that of textile. The main feature of this energy source is the separation of the electrolyte and the electrodes—the electrolyte is applied only when the battery needs to be activated. This makes storage time in a dry state virtually infinite. It expands their potential use to storage solutions and healthcare/health monitoring solutions, because the design of the battery allows it to be used as an active sensor, which generates electric current, when it detects liquid. We stress that this solution is suitable for specific applications only, outlined in the paper. The main components of the battery include aluminium anode, air cathode and the cotton shell. The design includes only textile-based materials, which ensure greater flexibility and better fusion with textile materials, where the battery is intended to be integrated. Besides that, results of the experiments with multi-cell battery prototype are presented.

Since direct laser surface texturing of polymers is an emerging area, considerable attention is given to this technique with the aim of forming a basis for follow-up research that could open the way for potential technological ideas and optimization in novel applications. Laser pre-processing of ballistic textiles can raise surface roughness of smooth para-aramid fibres and as a result can improve the adhesion of functional coatings applied in following processing steps, thus opening new possibilities for material performance improvement. The impact resistance of ballistic fabric depends on the ability of its yarns in contact with the projectile absorb energy locally and disperse it to adjacent yarns without undergoing severe damage or failure. In addition to the yarn deformation and fracture, yarn resistance to pull-out contributes to the dissipation of impact energy significantly. The objective of this study is to optimize Kevlar^® KM2+ fabric surface topographies by adjusting the continuous wave (CW) CO₂ laser parameters in such a way that it increases the surface roughness and resistance to the yarn pull-out from the fabric without destroying the unique structure of the of Kevlar^® KM2+ fibres. Experimental research measured data show increase in surface roughness by 50–53% and set of laser parameter variants have been obtained that allow for an increase in KM2+ 440D woven fabric yarns pull out force from fabric in the range from 50% up to 99% compared to the untreated one.

In modern production, embroidered elements perform not only traditional functions of decorativeness, informativeness, but are also used in such areas as medical diagnostics and rehabilitation (e.g. embroidered sensors), implant production, smart home interior elements, smart clothing or electronic textile production. The aim of the work is to investigate and evaluate the influence of different washing cycles performed during operation on the functionality of an electric-embroidered element. It was found that after the first washing, the electrical resistance of the embroidered elements decreased compared to the unwashed specimens. After seven washings, the electrical resistance increased. In all cases, the obtained strong linear dependence between the electrical resistance and the operating cycles indicates that, with a larger number of washing cycles, the electrical conductivity of the embroidered elements decreases. The results showed that the conductivity of the closed embroidered chain of embroidered 14 mm contour width elements was obtained from ∼ 34% to ∼ 61% higher than the conductivity of 6 mm contour width elements.