Conductive Yarn Integration in Woven Structures
Mapping how weave density affects signal reliability in embedded conductive yarns
Overview
An exploratory study into how weave density and structure affect the electrical reliability of silver-coated conductive yarns woven into cotton-polyester fabric.
Problem
Conductive yarns woven into fabric often lose reliable conductivity under normal flexing and washing, limiting real wearable applications.
Objective
Build a structure-property map relating weave density to signal reliability under repeated deformation.
Methodology
Weave conductive weft yarns at three density levels into a cotton-polyester base, then cycle each sample through controlled flex-fatigue testing while monitoring resistance.
Materials
Silver-coated polyamide conductive yarn, cotton-polyester base fabric, resistance meter, flex-fatigue rig.
Experimental Design
Three density levels x 200 flex cycles, with resistance logged every 20 cycles.
Results
Design stage — access to a flex-fatigue rig is being arranged with the department lab.
Conclusion
Pending experimental data.
Future Work
If a reliable density threshold is found, prototype a joint-motion sensing patch as a proof of concept.