Evolution of Flexible Electronics in Textiles
摘要
Devices that are bendable, stretchable, and conformable and made using flexible and conductive materials are referred to as flexible devices. This property allows them to maintain their functionality when subjected to mechanical stress. Various fields, like healthcare, energy storage, thermal management, etc., have witnessed remarkable advancements resulting from blending flexible electronics with textiles. The evolution of wearable electronics signifies a significant shift from rigid devices to adaptable, conformable solutions that seamlessly fit the human body’s contours and movements. This transition can be attributed to innovations in the development of smart fibres and textiles that are lightweight, breathable, and possess stretchable nature. These materials are the foundation for weaving flexible and stretchable electronics, enabling innovations like soft sensors, breathable substrates, and conductive materials. However, despite these strides, challenges persist in effectively amalgamating scalable textile manufacturing with smart device integration. The need for scalable, diverse textile manufacturing technologies seamlessly integrating with smart devices is a significant area to explore. This chapter discusses the evolution of flexible electronics in textiles and provides insights into the future development of novel flexible textile structures and high-performance textile devices.