Enabling New Possibilities in Smart Textiles through Printed Electronics

Abstract

As the field of electronics is advancing; the rigid devices are being replaced by flexible systems, which in turn are opening applications in smart wearables and textiles. This put additional limitations on the manufacturing processes that need to be compatible with flexible and low-temperature substrates. Direct-write techniques enable alternate field of printed electronics that provide low resolution, low-cost and conformal printing for more ergonomical devices. This review focuses on aspects of printed electronics for application in wearables. Different printing techniques are discussed and related research is discussed. Different types of materials available to fabricate smart textiles and wearables are discussed. A perspective on future road map is provided while discussing existing challenges in the field.