What are Technical Textiles?
Technical textiles and electronic textiles (e-textiles); One and the same? Or, polar opposites? When you search the term “technical textiles” on Google, you are met with a whole bunch of results referring to them as “smart textiles”. While they certainly are smart, calling them smart textiles is a bit confusing. It would be less confusing to allow technical textiles to stand alone as an umbrella term for all these technologies. So, what exactly are technical textiles and e-textiles, how do they differ, and how are they similar? Let’s chat about it.
Defining technical textiles and e-textiles
Due to their complex, multi-faceted nature, technical textiles and e-textiles can’t be defined in just one way. That being said, we think we can break it down for you in an easy-to-digest manner.
Technical textiles
Technical textiles, also called technical fabrics, are materials manufactured for non-aesthetic purposes. They are utilized for their technical purpose over their appearance. It is important to note that “technical textiles” is the overarching term for which e-textiles (or smart textiles) fall under. There are other types of technical textiles that do not have electronic components. Ionic+, Gore-Tex, and Cordura are just a few to name.
Ionic+ - Created by Noble Biomaterials, Ionic+ is a textile made from silver ion fibers. When Ionic+ s incorporated into apparel, footwear, home goods, and other products, positively charged ions are released in the presence of moisture. This technology eliminates microbes from perspiration, helping with odor and aiding in overall cleanliness.
Gore-Tex – Gore-Tex is the leader in waterproof, windproof, and breathable fabric technology. Gore-Tex is a membrane made up of nine billion pores. These pores are so small that rain and snow cannot get in. What makes Gore-Tex breathable is its ability to help sweat escape.
Cordura – Cordura is a durable, synthetic material that is water repellant and flame repellant. It is typically made of high-tensile strength nylon fibers, or a blend of nylon and cotton. This fabric has been used in everything from military uniforms to luggage and is optimal for keeping the wearer safe and dry.
E-textiles
An e-textile is a circuit that is either constructed into a textile or created with the intention of being integrated into a textile. Much like other technical textiles, e-textiles are used for a wide range of applications such as medical wearables, consumer goods, and automotive interiors. E-textiles can be made in a couple of ways. They can consist of electronics embedded in fabric or conductive materials, such as conductive thread, woven into a textile substrate.
Loomia Electronic Layer - Our patented Loomia Electronic Layer (LEL) technology is made of soft, flat, and flexible circuitry. The LEL can provide a range of functionalities to soft goods products such as lighting, heating, and sensing. Unlike most other e-textiles, our system is sewable, bondable, AND washable.
Nanoleq – Nanoleq is new to the e-textile game, having been founded just four years ago. Their technology is very distinct, however, and will not be found anywhere else. Nanoleq’s products are based on a novel conductive silicone technology that can monitor vital signs, muscle activity, and body temperature while the user is active.
Liquid Wire – Liquid Wire is a stretchable and flexible circuitry technology made from conductive gel. This gel conforms to any flexible surface, and is most used in performance apparel, medical wearables, and structural engineering applications. It is important to note that this technology, like Nanoleq, does not utilize electronics.
How do they differ?
To reiterate: all e-textiles are technical textiles, but not all technical textiles are e-textiles. Most technical textiles consist of woven elements, and those elements do not have to be conductive. Whereas all elements of an e-textile do need to conduct electricity. Since most technical textiles do not contain conductive materials or components, they are more passive in nature. What this means is that they do not adapt because of the information they sense. For example, a breathable fabric with cooling technology does not actively provide coolness via user input or environmental changes. It simply aids in the evaporation of moisture from the body. E-textiles, however, are active. They adapt and change their functionality in response to changes in the environment or user input. The best way to think about this is that e-textiles are actively controlled be the user.
How are they similar?
E-textiles, such as our LEL, and a fabric like Cordura are similar in the sense that they provide a benefit(s) to the user. Our technology provides consumers with comfort, safety, and peace of mind, much like Cordura. E-textiles and technical textiles are also made to withstand “harsh” conditions. You can break a sweat or hike a mountain without damaging the material for good. Although, while both are certainly strong and durable, they should be handled with care. Like any textile, they are not completely indestructible and have their limits. However, all of these materials are equally impactful and key to the advancement of our clothing, automobiles, and other daily necessities.
Curious about the other terminology floating around in the e-textile universe? Check out our Jargon Buster, a simple guide to help you navigate new and confusing words you will encounter as you learn to prototype with electronics!