• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.119-129
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• 2010

오늘날 인간의 수명이 연장되고, 웰빙과 건강에 대한 관심이 증가됨에 따라서 언제 어디서나 건강을 모니터링 할 수 있는 건강 스마트 의류 시스템이 개발되고 있다. 이를 위하여 최근에는 생체신호의 모니터링이 가능하도록 디자인된 의류에 통합된 형태의 직물 전극이 개발되고 있다. 혁신적으로 의류 시스템에 통합되어 착용 가능한 니트, 우븐, 자수방식의 텍스타일 전극에 대한 다양한 연구가 개발 제시되고 있으며, 이의 일부는 상용화되어 있다. 이에 본 연구는 경위사의 일정한 직조제어 자동화 시스템이 가능한 컴퓨터 자카드 직기의 캐드(CAD) 직조디자인 방식을 통하여 생체신호 센싱 기능이 향상된 새로운 텍스타일 전극디자인을 연구하고자 하였다. 이를 위하여 본 연구에서는 기존 생체신호 센싱 전극의 개발 및 연구 동향, 비직물/전극 타입에 대한 단점과 장점에 대한 비교 분석을 이론적으로 살펴보고, 자카드 직조 직물 기반으로 심전도 센싱용 텍스타일 전극을 디자인하여 실험 연구하였다. 자카드 직조 방식의 심전도 센싱용 직물 전극은 전극 인터페이스 디자인 방식, 이중직물형 직조 디자인 방식, 사가공 등의 요인들을 고려하여 개발하였다. 본 연구에서 도출된 최종 자카드 직조 직물 기반의 텍스타일 전극은 스마트 의류에 통합시킨 텍스타일 전극 모듈로서 적용되여 향후 상용화 방안을 모색할 수 있다.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.41-50
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• 2023

This study aims to develop electromyography (EMG) textile electrodes and assess their performance and signal stability by examining variations in layer count and fabric types. We fabricated the electrodes through layering and pressing techniques, focusing on configurations with different layer counts (Layer-0, Layer-1, and Layer-2). Our findings indicate that layer presence significantly influences muscle activation measurements, with enhanced performance correlated with increased layer numbers. Subsequently, we created electrodes from five distinct fabrics (neoprene, spandex cushion, 100% polyester, nylon spandex, and cotton canvas), each maintaining a Layer-2 structure. In performance tests, nylon spandex fabric, particularly heavier variants, outperformed others, while the spandex cushion electrodes showed superior stability in muscle activation signal acquisition. This research elucidates the connection between electrode performance and factors like layer number and electrode-skin contact area. It suggests a novel approach to electrode design, focusing on layer properties and targeted pressure application on specific sensor areas, rather than uniformly increasing sleeve pressure.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.363-369
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• 2019

This study developed electroconductive textiles by coating polypyrrole to PET nonwoven-based Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) nanoweb made by electrospinning and applying the developed electrotextiles as ECG Electrodes. To find the optimum coating conditions for high electrical conductivity, the ratios of 2.6-Naphthalenedisulfonic acid with Disodium Salt (NDS) vs Ammonium Persulfate (APS) as an oxidant and a doping agent in the solution were changed from 3:7 to 7:3; the immersion time of the specimen in the solution was 1 hour. PVA nanowebs coated with polypyrrole under various conditions were filmed with FE-SEM. FT-IR analysis was also performed to examine the presence of polypyrrole nanoparticles in the PVA nanoweb. The electrical resistance of the treated specimens were measured with a Multimeter. Consequently, the PVA Nano Web was undamaged even after heat treatment that allowed for coating. Uniform polypyrrole nanoparticles then formed on the surface of the PVA nanoweb after coating. The measured electrical resistance was shown to be at least $12K{\Omega}/{\Box }$ from a maximum of $3,456K{\Omega}/{\Box }$. The proper amount of NDS content had a positive effect on the conductivity improvement of electroconductive textiles; in addition, the highest electrical conductivity was achieved with a ratio of 3:7 between NDS and APS.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.386-398
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• 2020

This study compared dip-coating and in situ polymerization methods for the development of nanofiber-based E-textile using polypyrrole. Nanofiber webs were fabricated by electrospinning an aqueous poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solution. Subsequently, the PVA nanofiber web underwent thermal treatment to improve water resistance. Dip-coating and in situ polymerization methods were used to deposit polypyrrole on the surfaces of the nanofiber web. An FE-SEM analysis was also conducted to examine specimen surface characteristics along with EDS and FT-IR that analyzed the chemical bonding between polypyrrole and specimens. The line resistance and sheet resistance of the treated specimens were measured. Finally, an electrocardiogram (ECG) was measured with textile sensors made of the polypyrrole-deposited PVA nanofiber webs. The polypyrrole-deposited PVA nanofiber webs fabricated by dip-coating dissolved in the dip-coating solution and indicated damage to the nanofibers. However, in the case of in situ polymerization, polypyrrole nanoparticles were deposited on the surface and inter-web structure of the PVA nanofiber web. The resistance measurements indicated that polypyrrole-deposited PVA nanofiber webs fabricated by in situ polymerization with an average sheet resistance of 5.3 k(Ω/□). Polypyrrole-deposited PVA nanofiber webs fabricated by dip-coating showed an average sheet resistance of 57.3 k(Ω/□). Polypyrrole-deposited PVA nanofibers fabricated by in situ polymerization showed a lower line and sheet resistance; in addition, they detected the electrical activity of the heart during ECG measurements. The electrodes made from polypyrrole-deposited PVA nanofiber webs by in situ polymerization showed the best performance for sensing ECG signals among the evaluated specimens.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.651-660
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• 2023

This study aimed to research the local production of conductive composite yarn, a source material used in textile-type electrodes and circuits. The physical properties of an internationally available conductive composite yarn were analyzed. To manufacture the conductive composite yarn, we selected one type of conductive yarn with Ag-coated polyamide of 150d 1 ply, along with two types of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with circular and triangular cross-sections, both with 150d 1 ply. The conductive composite yarn samples were manufactured at 250, 500, 750, and 1000 turns per meter (TPM). For both conductive composite yarn samples manufactured from two types of PET filaments, the twist contraction rate of the sample with a triangular cross-section was stable. Among the samples, the tensile strength of the sample manufactured at 750 TPM was the highest at approximately 4.1gf/d; the overall linear resistance was approximately 5.0 Ω/cm, which is within the target range. It was confirmed that the triangular cross-section sample manufactured with 750 TPM had a similar linear resistance value to the advanced product despite the increase in the number of twists. In future studies, we plan tomanufacture samples by varying the twist conditions to derive the optimal conductive yarn suitable for smartwear and smart textile manufacturing conditions.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.109-124
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• 2024

The aim of this paper is to design and evaluate calf braces that are equipped with Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) modules. These braces are intended to alleviate calf pain in PARA Taekwondo athletes. The paper also seeks to assess the effects of different textile electrode designs. PARA Taekwondo participants are at a heightened risk of injuries and pain due to the nature of this exercise, which is designed for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, there is a significant risk of strain on the lower limb muscles in PARA Taekwondo compared to regular Taekwondo. To address this issue, calf taping methods are commonly used. In this study, we develop calf EMS protective gear and aim to examine the effects of different textile electrode designs inspired by taping methods. We evaluate the differences in the effects of three different textile electrode designs through visual analog scale (VAS) and range of motion (ROM) measurements. The results show that EMS protective gear has the potential to reduce calf pain among PARA Taekwondo athletes, with electrode designs inspired by kinesiology taping providing the most effective pain relief. This research suggests that these findings may be applicable to other sports disciplines, body areas, and everyday pain relief scenarios.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.697-707
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• 2019

This review paper deals with materials, classification, and a current article investigation on smart textile sensors for wearable vital signs monitoring (WVSM). Smart textile sensors can lose electrical conductivity during vital signs monitoring when applying them to clothing. Because they should have to endure severe conditions (bending, folding, and distortion) when wearing. Imparting electrical conductivity for application is a critical consideration when manufacturing smart textile sensors. Smart textile sensors fabricate by utilizing electro-conductive materials such as metals, allotrope of carbon, and intrinsically conductive polymers (ICPs). It classifies as performance level, fabric structure, intrinsic/extrinsic modification, and sensing mechanism. The classification of smart textile sensors by sensing mechanism includes pressure/force sensors, strain sensors, electrodes, optical sensors, biosensors, and temperature/humidity sensors. In the previous study, pressure/force sensors perform well despite the small capacitance changes of 1-2 pF. Strain sensors work reliably at 1 ㏀/cm or lower. Electrodes require an electrical resistance of less than 10 Ω/cm. Optical sensors using plastic optical fibers (POF) coupled with light sources need light in-coupling efficiency values that are over 40%. Biosensors can quantify by wicking rate and/or colorimetry as the reactivity between the bioreceptor and transducer. Temperature/humidity sensors require actuating triggers that show the flap opening of shape memory polymer or with a color-changing time of thermochromic pigment lower than 17 seconds.

• The Transactions of The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers
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• v.66 no.7
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• pp.1141-1148
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• 2017

Generally, a thermistor made by sintering a metal oxide is widely used to measure the ambient temperature. This thermistor is widely used not only for industrial use but also for medical use because of its excellent sensitivity, durability, temperature change characteristics and low cost. In particular, the normal body temperature is 36.9 degrees relative to the armpit temperature, and it is most closely related to the circulating blood flow. Previous studies have shown that body temperature changes during biomechanical changes and body temperature changes by anomalous signs or illnesses. Therefore, in this study, we propose a Lock-In-Amp design to detect minute temperature changes of clothing and thermistor wired by a preacher as a method to regularly measure body temperature in daily life. Especially, it is designed to measure the minute resistance change of the thermistor according to body temperature change even in a low-cost microprocessor environment by using a micro-processor-based Lock-In-Amp, and a jacquard and the thermistor is arranged so as to be close to the side, so that the reference body temperature can be easily measured. The temperature was measured and stored in real time using short-range wireless communication for non - restraint temperature monitoring. A baby vest was made to verify its performance through temperature experiments for infants. The measurement of infant body temperature through the existing skin sensor or thermometer has limitations in monitoring infant body temperature for a long time without restriction. However, it can be overcome by using the embroidery fabric based micro temperature monitoring wireless monitoring device proposed in this study.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.93-107
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• 2023

This study aimed to design a knee brace with dry electrode EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) for elite badminton players suffering from knee pain and assess its effectiveness in relieving pain and improving mobility. The assessment measured knee joint range of motion (ROM), Sargent jump height, and pain perception using a visual analog scale (VAS). Four experimental groups were established: stability, pain induction after 100 squats, muscle soreness induction with a regular knee brace, and muscle soreness induction with the EMS knee brace. The most suitable knee brace was selected from four samples to design the EMS knee brace. The conductive fabric was integrated into the inner surface of the knee brace to enhance EMS conductivity for the quadriceps muscles. Tensile strength tests showed that the dry electrode did not significantly affect the physical functionality of the knee brace.Regarding knee joint ROM and Sargent jump height, the EMS knee brace outperformed muscle soreness induction with a regular knee brace and wearing a standard knee brace. VAS measurements demonstrated that the EMS braces effectively alleviated pain perception in most cases. The results indicate the potential for developing EMS braces to alleviate pain and prevent injuries for athletes across various sports.