What Are Functional Fabrics?

May 24

Several people, inside and outside of the industry, who come across our Loomia Electronic Layer call our technology a “functional fabric.” While this term is not entirely wrong, we prefer to call our LEL an “electronic textile.” Functional fabrics are, in our view, a completely separate category of materials. This article is not about e-textiles, we simply want to explain what functional fabrics are and in what ways they are different from e-textiles.

Functional Fabrics Definition

Functional fabrics, also called “functional textiles,” are materials that contain integrated elements for controlling or changing a given application. For example, some fabrics may wick moisture to keep the user cool or contain fibers that minimize odor. The reason why we do not consider the LEL a functional fabric is because the technology is not woven into the fibers. Instead, our technology is integrated on the surface, of a material and contains electronic components.

To Illustrate Further…

Many functional fabrics possess responsive, bio-responsive, and performance elements. Responsive functional fabrics respond to inputs from the user’s body. A good example of this would be color-changing fabrics that change as the user’s body temperature changes–like a mood ring. Bio-responsive functional fabrics use inputs from the external environment to create a physiological “change” in the user. This would be a fabric that keeps a user warm in cold temperatures. Think of it in this –somewhat– uncomplicated way: bio-responsive fabrics alter the user and responsive fabrics are altered by the user. Performance-based functional fabrics contain added elements that enhance the core function of the material. For example, anti-wrinkle, anti-microbial, or stain-resistant fibers and coatings.

Examples of Functional Fabrics

There are many, many different types of functional fabrics on the market today: Anti-Microbial, Anti-Wrinkle, Stain-Resistant, Flame Retardant, Temperature Regulating, Water Repellant, and the list goes on. However, we are going to focus on these six types since they are the most commonly found and used.

Anti-Microbial

Anti-Microbial fabrics are those that offer protection against bacteria, mold, and other microbes. They are usually treated with a topical coating made of silver, zinc, or other nanoparticles. We typically see these fabrics in activewear and medical applications–really any product that needs to fight off pathogens or odor-causing bacteria.

Anti-Wrinkle

Anti-wrinkle fabrics are made of artificial or “synthetic” fibers that do not change shape. Some examples of anti-wrinkle fabrics include nylon, acrylic, and polyester. There are certain chemical treatments that can make fabrics anti-wrinkle as well, and this is how some cotton fabrics are made wrinkle-free. These fabrics are most commonly used in apparel, because who wants a wrinkly shirt?

Stain-Resistant

Stain-resistant fabrics do not lose their original color, and usually consist of plastic fibers or are treated with a coating–like most other performance fabrics. However, according to the Center for Environmental Health, these chemical treatments can be harmful to your health and should be avoided if possible. Synthetics are by and by the better option than treated fabrics. As for applications, stain-resistant fibers can be found in most vinyl materials and are typically used in upholstery for furniture.

Flame Retardant

Flame retardant fabrics are treated with a chemical that fends off dangerously high temperatures and flames. A variety of fibers are used for these fabrics, but the most common are treated cotton or a combination of cotton and nylon–it really depends on what the fabric is used for. Flame retardant fabrics are commonly found in safety apparel, or any application that may be exposed to extreme heat and flames.

Temperature Regulating

A lot of experimentation has been done in recent years when it comes to temperature-regulating fabrics. Materials scientists are weaving carbon nano-tubes into textiles to trap heat, and are developing finishes that absorb infrared rays. But, what temperature-regulating fabrics can you purchase right now? The current fabrics on the market are ones made with cooling technology that is activated when body temperature rises. This technology, HeiQ, is used by over 50 major labels worldwide.

Water Repellant

Water repellent fabrics are treated with hydrophobic chemicals. These chemicals are composed mainly of acrylics, epoxies, polyurethane, and polyester. Polartec’s water repellent fabric, for example, features DWR coating which protects the fabric and extends the life of garments. You can find water repellent fabrics in furniture, apparel, and extreme-weather outdoor gear.