Smart textiles for medicine and healthcare

Аннотация

The original function of textiles was to shield man from cold and rain. Later on in history aesthetic aspects also came to play a role in clothing. Much more recently a new generation of textiles has arisen; smart or intelligent textiles. Intelligent textiles are a relatively new discipline in the textile sector. They are active materials that have sensing and actuation properties. Their potential is enormous. One could think of smart clothing that makes us feel comfortable at all times, during any activity and in any environmental conditions, a suit that protects and monitors, that warns in case of danger and even helps to treat diseases and injuries. This book addresses intelligent textiles for health care applications. It includes contributions from material designers, system manufacturers and end users. This gives the reader a broad introduction to all aspects of the potential, development and use of intelligent textiles for medicine and healthcare.