Development and characteristic study of woven fabrics for intelligent diapers

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Lou, Ching-Wen^a | Shiu, Bing-Chiuan^b | Lin, Jia-Horng^{b; c; d} | Chang, Yuan-Jen^{a; e; *}

Affiliations: [a] Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan | [b] Laboratory of Fiber Application and Manufacturing, Department of Fiber and Composite Materials, Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan | [c] School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan | [d] Department of Fashion Design, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan | [e] Department of Management Information Systems, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Yuan-Jen Chang, Department of Management Information Systems, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung 40601, Taiwan. E-mail:ronchang@ctust.edu.tw

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence mostly affects infants, the elderly, and the disabled. However, no diaper is equipped with an effective immediate reminder feature that signifies when changing is needed. OBJECTIVE: This study proposes eco-diapers containing metallic fibers, such that eco-diapers and sensors are combined to transmit a signal when changing is necessary. METHODS: Polyester multifilaments serve as the warp yarn and water absorbent cotton fibers (witvarying finesses of 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 counts) as the weft yarns to form five woven fabric types. A stereomicroscope is used and the optical contact angle is measured to determine the optimal parameters for the structure. RESULTS: Obtain the optimal cotton fiber finesse is determined, the influence of the finesse of the metallic fibers on resistance is then examined. The yielded optimal parameters are then integrated to manufacture a wearable sensor, which is then combined with the woven fabrics to develop intelligent diapers. CONCLUSION: A health care system needs a new paradigm, that is, wearable computing is very attractive and extensively examined. The use of metallic fabric can solve complicated wires, and it does not affect the wearing comfort. It will help solve the problem of lacking medical human resources.

Keywords: Intelligent textiles, stainless steel fibers, woven fabrics

DOI: 10.3233/THC-151008

Journal: Technology and Health Care, vol. 23, no. 5, pp. 675-684, 2015