Smart Materials

Biomimetics

Inspiration comes from nature's response to external stimuli such as the way that pine cones open and close according to air pressure
Stomatex
- allows the skin to breathe like a leaf
- but at the same time acts as a barrier against rainwater
- keeps the body at an even temperature so perspiration does not occur
- when the body is active, tiny pumps within the fabric remove perspiration vapour
Fastskin-reducing drag by up to 4%. It is meant to resemble shark's skin; therefore, it has tiny triangular projections that point backward so that the water spirals off the athlete's body.

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Micro encapsulated fragrances
- Welbeck offer around 40 different aromas
Can be applied to any finished fabric with an adhesive additive that is thermally fixed
Capsules release their fragrance during movement
Last up to 40 washes
Common for lingerie

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use biomimetics that imitate nature, e.g. Fastskin, Stomatex
monitor body functions /give warnings, e.g. when blood pressure is raised or body becomes too cold / hot
maintain a personal micro-climate, e.g. Stomatex, Outlast
provide buoyancy and support, e.g. bodysuits / lifejackets
have chromatic properties and change colour in response to specific situations, e.g. if body is too hot
can generate solar power when exposed to sunlight to power GPS or other systems
interactive materials such as those with tracking devices
are laminated to be water and wind proof, eg Gore-Tex
allow stretch and freedom of movement, eg elastanes.

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Phillips Laboratories have produced
- a business suit with a mobile phone built into the fabric
- a child's anorak that has a tracking device
- discowear that will change colour and shape in response to sound
- golf jacket with sensors in the sleeves to monitor the performance of the golfer's swing when hitting the ball
Soft switches
- sewn into the product using printing, coating, embroidery
- washable, durable
- incorporated into interior textiles to control lighting, appliances

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