Work Item
ASTM WK61480
New Test Method for Durability of Smart Garment Textile Electrodes after Laundering
1. Scope
This test method covers the determination of the durability of the electro-conductive material used to make textile electrodes, used to monitor biometric signals, when subjected to washing and drying cycles. This test method covers the determination of electrical resistivity of textile materials that are generally categorized as good or moderately conductive.
Keywords
Surface resistance; Accelerated ageing; Garment care
Rationale
One of the most present examples of smart garments products, already available on the market to customers, are bio-sensing garments which allow for the heart rate and respiration monitoring among other biophysical parameters. These garments are often made of compressive knit fabric in order to ensure a good contact between the textile electrodes and the skin. Therefore, there is a high level of intimacy between the garment and the human body. Especially when used in sportswear applications, which involves high perspiration level, or even as an everyday shirt, for medical applications for example, the garments are expected to be washed often, and as such, they are expected to resist to a minimum of washing cycles. The use of conductive textiles often based on metallic materials can create an issue of durability when they are exposed to some chemicals including compounds found in detergents. Moreover, the mechanical friction generated by the washing cycle can also lead to higher surface resistance and ultimately complete loss of conductivity. The test method directly relates to the durability of the garment and will serve to test and compare smart garments integrating textile electrodes. Despite commercial examples of such product, there is currently no standardized test methods to evaluate on a common and objective basis the durability of such garment in its conditions of use. It would be valuable for consumers, especially considering these products are fairly expensive, to have a clearer understanding of the durability of these garments. The test methods will be used for quality control.
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 12-15-2017
Technical Contact: Justine Decaens
Item: 014
Ballot: D13.50 (17-02)
Status: Will Reballot Item