Mostly due to the cost-intensive manually performed processing operations, the production of complex-shaped fibre reinforced plastic composites (FRPC) is currently very expensive and therefore either restricted to sectors with high added value or for small batch applications (e.g. in the aerospace or automotive industry). Previous works suggest that the successful integration of conventional textile manufacturing processes in the FRPC-process chain is the key to a cost-efficient manufacturing of complex three-dimensional (3D) FRPC-components with stress-oriented fibre arrangement. Therefore, this work focuses on the development of the multilayer weft knitting technology for the one-step manufacturing of complex 3D net-shaped preforms for high performance FRPC applications. In order to highlight the advantages of net-shaped multilayer weft knitted fabrics for the production of complex FRPC parts, seamless preforms such as 3D skin-stringer structures and tubular fabrics with load oriented fibre arrangement are realised. In this paper, the development of the textile bindings and performed technical modifications on flat knitting machines are presented. The results show that the multilayer weft knitting technology meets perfectly the requirements for a fully automated and reproducible manufacturing of complex 3D textile preforms with stress-oriented fibre arrangement.

The internet of things is a key driver for new developments in the fields of medicine, industry 4.0 and gaming. Consequently, the interaction of virtual and real world by smart interconnecting of devices in our everyday life is the basis idea of the Cluster of Excellence "Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop" (CeTI) at TU Dresden. To enable a user-centric approach in CeTI innovative textile structures, mainly knitted smart gloves, and their functionalization by integration of sensors and sensory yarns are focus of research activities.

The Cluster of Excellence “Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI)” deals with developments and inventions concerning smart devices used in many fields, e.g. industry 4.0, medicine and skill learning. These kind of applications require smart devices, sensors, actors and conductive structures. Textile structures address these applications by meeting requirements such of being flexible, adaptable and wearable. Within this paper, the development of a protective coating for electrically conductive (EC) yarns is captured. These EC yarns are nowadays often used for smart textile applications. One challenge in their application is the integration into textile structures. Often, the handling and use of EC yarns lead on the one hand to damages on the surface of the yarn and on the other hand to reduced electromechanically characteristics. This paper aims to characterize these EC yarns in regard to develop a suitable protective coating based on polypropylene (PP). To achieve this development, an extensive characterization of the EC yarns as well as the protective coating itself is important. The surface free energy (SFE), the topographical and the chemical characteristics are necessary for developing a suitable protective coating. However, the yarns are characterized before and after implementation into the textile structure and furthermore after the coating respectively with the developed finish.

This paper explores the development of a Smart e-Textile Singlet designed to enhance geriatric care through continuous monitoring of vital health parameters. The proposed garment integrates various sensors to measure core body temperature, blood oxygen saturation, respiration rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram (ECG), activity level, and risk of falls. Leveraging advanced technologies such as inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, thermoelectric materials, and piezoelectric fibers, the e-textile ensures both functionality and sustainability. Additionally, artificial intelligence algorithms are employed to provide near-real-time feedback and early warnings, significantly improving health management for elderly individuals. This innovative approach not only promotes autonomy and well-being among the elderly but also alleviates the workload of healthcare providers. The Smart e-Textile Singlet represents a multi-sensor solution by offering a holistic monitoring system.

This paper presents the simulation-based development of a novel knitted design of textile heating structures based on dedicated serial-parallel circuits for heating (DSPCh) using silver-plated yarns processed via knitting technology. The DSPCh approach features dedicated and spatially bounded sub-circuits, ensuring even heat distribution and resilience against circuit failures in smart textiles with heating functionality. The study finds that the conductor arrangement and knitting pattern significantly affect the heating performance. DSPCh structures achieve even more heat distribution than serial and parallel circuit designs. Due to its binding, the developed basic pattern based on the right–left knit is less electrically conductive than that based on the right–right knit. Results show that DSPCh structures exhibit a favorable heat level and uniform heat distribution suitable for wearable textiles close to the body. The comparison with other circuit designs demonstrates higher temperatures of maximum 132°C and temperature differences up to 100 K, making DSPCh structures suitable for functional underwear. In addition, the experiments reveal that the heating performance is minimally degraded after standard machine-washing and care protocols. The investigations demonstrate that the DSPCh structures are suitable for actively heatable functional underwear, and simulation tools can aid in predicting temperatures and heat distribution for various textile designs.