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Marquez-Chin M, Saadatnia Z, Naguib HE, Popovic MR. Development of an Aerogel-Based Wet Electrode for Functional Electrical Stimulation. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2023; 31:4085-4095. [PMID: 37831561 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2023.3324400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been a useful therapeutic tool in rehabilitation, particularly for people with paralysis. To deliver stimulation in its most basic setup, a stimulator and at least a pair of electrodes are needed. The electrodes are an essential part of the system since they allow the transduction of the stimulator signals into the body. Their performance can influence the experience of both patient and therapist in terms of movement generation, comfort, and ease of use. For non-invasive surface stimulation, current electrode options have several limitations involving their interfacing with the skin, practical inconveniences, and short-term functionality. Standard hydrogel electrodes tend to lose their adhesion with the skin quickly, while dry or textile electrodes require constant wetting to be comfortable. In this paper, we present the fabrication, characterization, and FES testing of a new aerogel-based wet electrode for surface stimulation applications for long-term and reusable FES applications. We investigated its functionality by stimulating the biceps brachii of twelve healthy individuals and collected elbow joint torque and comfort ratings for three different intensity levels (low, moderate, and high) of FES. Comparing to standard hydrogel electrodes, no statistically significant difference was found for any intensity of stimulation in either torque or comfort. Overall, the new aerogel-based electrode has an appropriate impedance, is flexible and soft, is conformable to the skin, has a high water absorption and retention, and can be used for FES purposes.
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Gunnarsson E, Rödby K, Seoane F. Seamlessly integrated textile electrodes and conductive routing in a garment for electrostimulation: design, manufacturing and evaluation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17408. [PMID: 37833440 PMCID: PMC10575854 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44622-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Electro-stimulation to alleviate spasticity, pain and to increase mobility has been used successfully for years. Usually, gelled electrodes are used for this. In a garment intended for repeated use such electrodes must be replaced. The Mollii-suit by the company Inerventions utilises dry conductive rubber electrodes. The electrodes work satisfactory, but the garment is cumbersome to fit on the body. In this paper we show that knitted dry electrodes can be used instead. The knitted electrodes present a lower friction against the skin and a garment is easily fitted to the body. The fabric is stretchable and provides a tight fit to the body ensuring electrical contact. We present three candidate textrodes and show how we choose the one with most favourable features for producing the garment. We validate the performance of the garment by measuring three electrical parameters: rise time (10-90%) of the applied voltage, net injected charge and the low frequency value of the skin-electrode impedance. It is concluded that the use of flat knitting intarsia technique can produce a garment with seamlessly integrated conductive leads and electrodes and that this garment delivers energy to the body as targeted and is beneficial from manufacturing and comfort perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Gunnarsson
- Textile Materials Technology, Department of Textile Technology, Faculty of Textiles, Engineering and Business Swedish School of Textiles, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden.
| | - Kristian Rödby
- Textile Materials Technology, Department of Textile Technology, Faculty of Textiles, Engineering and Business Swedish School of Textiles, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Fernando Seoane
- Textile Materials Technology, Department of Textile Technology, Faculty of Textiles, Engineering and Business Swedish School of Textiles, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
- Institute for Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Care Technology, Karolinska University Hospital, 14157, Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, 14157, Huddinge, Sweden
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Tu H, Li X, Lin X, Lang C, Gao Y. Washable and Flexible Screen-Printed Ag/AgCl Electrode on Textiles for ECG Monitoring. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3665. [PMID: 37765519 PMCID: PMC10538005 DOI: 10.3390/polym15183665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes are important sensors for detecting heart disease whose performance determines the validity and accuracy of the collected original ECG signals. Due to the large drawbacks (e.g., allergy, shelf life) of traditional commercial gel electrodes, textile electrodes receive widespread attention for their excellent comfortability and breathability. This work demonstrated a dry electrode for ECG monitoring fabricated by screen printing silver/silver chloride (Ag/AgCl) conductive ink on ordinary polyester fabric. The results show that the screen-printed textile electrodes have good and stable electrical and electrochemical properties and excellent ECG signal acquisition performance. Furthermore, the resistance of the screen-printed textile electrode is maintained within 0.5 Ω/cm after 5000 bending cycles or 20 washing and drying cycles, exhibiting excellent flexibility and durability. This research provides favorable support for the design and preparation of flexible and wearable electrophysiological sensing platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huating Tu
- College of Medical Instruments, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China; (H.T.); (X.L.); (X.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Textile and Flexible Interconnection of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xiaoou Li
- College of Medical Instruments, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China; (H.T.); (X.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiangde Lin
- College of Medical Instruments, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China; (H.T.); (X.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Chenhong Lang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Textile and Flexible Interconnection of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Yang Gao
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Textile Materials and Advanced Processing Technologies, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China
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Sundström C, Juthberg R, Flodin J, Guo L, Persson NK, Ackermann PW. Effects on hemodynamic enhancement and discomfort of a new textile electrode integrated in a sock during calf neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:2013-2022. [PMID: 37145130 PMCID: PMC10460736 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-023-05212-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare fixed transverse textile electrodes (TTE) knitted into a sock versus motor point placed standard gel electrodes (MPE) on peak venous velocity (PVV) and discomfort, during calf neuromuscular electrical stimulation (calf-NMES). METHODS Ten healthy participants received calf-NMES with increasing intensity until plantar flexion (measurement level I = ML I), and an additional mean 4 mA intensity (ML II), utilizing TTE and MPE. PVV was measured with Doppler ultrasound in the popliteal and femoral veins at baseline, ML I and II. Discomfort was assessed with a numerical rating scale (NRS, 0-10). Significance was set to p < 0.05. RESULTS TTE and MPE both induced significant increases in PVV from baseline to ML I and significantly higher increases to ML II, in both the popliteal and femoral veins (all p < 0.001). The popliteal increases of PVV from baseline to both ML I and II were significantly higher with TTE versus MPE (p < 0.05). The femoral increases of PVV from baseline to both ML I and II were not significantly different between TTE and MPE. TTE versus MPE resulted at ML I in higher mA and NRS (p < 0.001), and at ML II in higher mA (p = 0.005) while NRS was not significantly different. CONCLUSION TTE integrated in a sock produces intensity-dependent increases of popliteal and femoral hemodynamics comparable to MPE, but results in more discomfort at plantar flexion due to higher current required. TTE exhibits in the popliteal vein higher increases of PVV compared to MPE. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial_ID: ISRCTN49260430. Date: 11/01/2022. Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sundström
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - R Juthberg
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Flodin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - L Guo
- Polymeric E- Textiles and Smart Textiles University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - N-K Persson
- Polymeric E- Textiles and Smart Textiles University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - P W Ackermann
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Trauma, Acute Surgery and Orthopaedics, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Ravichandran V, Ciesielska-Wrobel I, Rumon MAA, Solanki D, Mankodiya K. Characterizing the Impedance Properties of Dry E-Textile Electrodes Based on Contact Force and Perspiration. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:728. [PMID: 37504127 PMCID: PMC10377293 DOI: 10.3390/bios13070728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Biopotential electrodes play an integral role within smart wearables and clothing in capturing vital signals like electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyogram (EMG), and electroencephalogram (EEG). This study focuses on dry e-textile electrodes (E1-E6) and a laser-cut knit electrode (E7), to assess their impedance characteristics under varying contact forces and moisture conditions. Synthetic perspiration was applied using a moisture management tester and impedance was measured before and after exposure, followed by a 24 h controlled drying period. Concurrently, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the dry electrode was evaluated during ECG data collection on a healthy participant. Our findings revealed that, prior to moisture exposure, the impedance of electrodes E7, E5, and E2 was below 200 ohm, dropping to below 120 ohm post-exposure. Embroidered electrodes E6 and E4 exhibited an over 25% decrease in mean impedance after moisture exposure, indicating the impact of stitch design and moisture on impedance. Following the controlled drying, certain electrodes (E1, E2, E3, and E4) experienced an over 30% increase in mean impedance. Overall, knit electrode E7, and embroidered electrodes E2 and E6, demonstrated superior performance in terms of impedance, moisture retention, and ECG signal quality, revealing promising avenues for future biopotential electrode designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Ravichandran
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Izabela Ciesielska-Wrobel
- Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Md Abdullah Al Rumon
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Dhaval Solanki
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Kunal Mankodiya
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
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Aileni RM, Chiriac L. Conductive Membranes Based on Cotton Fabric Coated with Polymers for Electrode Applications. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:7286. [PMID: 36295352 PMCID: PMC9611807 DOI: 10.3390/ma15207286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the evaluation of some electrodes based on polymeric conductive membranes (polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)) for sensor applications. The electrodes were developed using textile support (weave structure-based 100% cotton yarns) and applying conductive membrane layers deposited on the textile surface. Coating the fabrics with thin layers of conductive membranes could generate new surfaces with the electrical resistance specific to conductive samples. Laboratory tests evaluated the physicomechanical and electrical properties. The surface resistance was investigated using a digital surface resistance meter by neglecting electrode polarization impedance. In addition, the correlation coefficients between the physicomechanical and electrical parameters obtained by the laboratory were analyzed. These conductive samples can be used to and develop flexible electrodes for moisture, temperature and strain sensors.
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Jang Y, Moon JH, Lee C, Lee SM, Kim H, Song GH, Spinks GM, Wallace GG, Kim SJ. A Coiled Carbon Nanotube Yarn-Integrated Surface Electromyography System To Monitor Isotonic and Isometric Movements. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:45149-45155. [PMID: 36169191 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c11811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A surface electromyogram (sEMG) electrode collects electrical currents generated by neuromuscular activity by a noninvasive technique on the skin. It is particularly attractive for wearable systems for various human activities and health care monitoring. However, it remains challenging to discriminate EMG signals from isotonic (concentric/eccentric) and isometric movements. By applying nanotechnology, we provide a coiled carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn-integrated sEMG device to overcome sEMG-based motion recognition. When the arm was contracted at different angles, the sEMG-derived root mean square amplitude signals were constant regardless of the angle of the moving arm. However, the coiled CNT yarn-derived open circuit voltage (OCV) signals proportionally increased when the arm's angle increased, and presented negative and positive values depending on the moving direction of the arm. Moreover, isometric contraction is characterized by the onset of EMG signals without an OCV signal, and isotonic contraction is determined by both EMG signals and OCV signals. Taken together, the integration of EMG and coiled CNT yarn electrodes provides complementary information, including the strength, direction, and degree of muscle movement. Therefore, we suggest that our system has high potential as a wearable system to monitor human motions in industrial and human system applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwoo Jang
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04736, Korea
| | - Ji Hwan Moon
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Chanho Lee
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Sung Min Lee
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Heesoo Kim
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Gyu Hyeon Song
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Geoffrey M Spinks
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, ARC Centre of Excellence for Electro Materials Science, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, North Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Gordon G Wallace
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, ARC Centre of Excellence for Electro Materials Science, AIIM Facility, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong, North Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Seon Jeong Kim
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
- Center for Self-Powered Actuation, Department of Electronic Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, South Korea
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Fabrication of Textile-Based Dry Electrode and Analysis of Its Surface EMG Signal for Applying Smart Wear. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14173641. [PMID: 36080714 PMCID: PMC9460933 DOI: 10.3390/polym14173641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ag/AgCl hydrogel electrodes, which are wet electrodes, are generally used to acquire bio-signals non-invasively. Research concerning dry electrodes is ongoing due to the following limitations of wet electrodes: (1) skin irritation and disease when attached for a long time; (2) poor adhesion due to sweat; and (3) considerable cost due to disposable use. Accordingly, electrodes in film, embroidery, and knit forms were manufactured from conductive sheets and conductive yarns, which are typical textile-type dry electrode materials, using different manufacturing methods and conditions. The prepared electrodes were conducted to measure the morphology, surface resistance, skin-electrode impedance, EMG signal acquisition, and analysis. The conductive sheet type electrode exhibited a similar skin-impedance, noise, and muscle activation signal amplitude to the Ag/AgCl gel electrode due to the excellent adhesion and shape stabilization. Embroidery electrodes were manufactured based on two-dimension lock stitch (Em_LS) and three-dimension moss-stitch (Em_MS). More stable EMG signal acquisition than Em_LS was possible when manufactured with Em_MS. The knit electrode was manufactured with the typical structures of plain, purl, and interlock. Although it was possible to acquire EMG signals, considerable noise was generated as the shape and size of the electrodes were changed due to the stretch characteristics of the knit structure. Finally, the applicability of the textile-type dry electrode was confirmed by combining it with a wearable device. More stable and accurate EMG signal acquirement will be possible through more precise parameter control in the future.
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Kim H, Kim S, Lim D, Jeong W. Development and Characterization of Embroidery-Based Textile Electrodes for Surface EMG Detection. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:4746. [PMID: 35808240 PMCID: PMC9268917 DOI: 10.3390/s22134746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The interest in wearable devices has expanded to measurement devices for building IoT-based mobile healthcare systems and sensing bio-signal data through clothing. Surface electromyography, called sEMG, is one of the most popular bio-signals that can be applied to health monitoring systems. In general, gel-based (Ag/AgCl) electrodes are mainly used, but there are problems, such as skin irritation due to long-time wearing, deterioration of adhesion to the skin due to moisture or sweat, and low applicability to clothes. Hence, research on dry electrodes as a replacement is increasing. Accordingly, in this study, a textile-based electrode was produced with a range of electrode shapes, and areas were embroidered with conductive yarn using an embroidery technique in the clothing manufacturing process. The electrode was applied to EMG smart clothing for fitness, and the EMG signal detection performance was analyzed. The electrode shape was manufactured using the circle and wave type. The wave-type electrode was more morphologically stable than the circle-type electrode by up to 30% strain, and the electrode shape was maintained as the embroidered area increased. Skin-electrode impedance analysis confirmed that the embroidered area with conductive yarn affected the skin contact area, and the impedance decreased with increasing area. For sEMG performance analysis, the rectus femoris was selected as a target muscle, and the sEMG parameters were analyzed. The wave-type sample showed higher EMG signal strength than the circle-type. In particular, the electrode with three lines showed better performance than the fill-type electrode. These performances operated without noise, even with a commercial device. Therefore, it is expected to be applicable to the manufacture of electromyography smart clothing based on embroidered electrodes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyelim Kim
- Material and Component Convergence R&D Department, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), Ansan 15588, Korea; (H.K.); (D.L.)
| | - Siyeon Kim
- Reliability Assesment Center, FITI Testing and Research Institute, Seoul 07791, Korea;
| | - Daeyoung Lim
- Material and Component Convergence R&D Department, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), Ansan 15588, Korea; (H.K.); (D.L.)
| | - Wonyoung Jeong
- Material and Component Convergence R&D Department, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), Ansan 15588, Korea; (H.K.); (D.L.)
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Kolar T, Kokol V. Synergistic Effect of Screen-Printed Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Phosphorylated Cellulose Nanofibrils on Thermophysiological Comfort, Thermal/UV Resistance, Mechanical and Electroconductive Properties of Flame-Retardant Fabric. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14237238. [PMID: 34885393 PMCID: PMC8658233 DOI: 10.3390/ma14237238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and phosphorylated nanocellulose fibrils (PCNFs) were used as functional screen-print coatings on flame-retardant (FR) fabric, to improve its thermal resistance and thermophysiological comfort (wetting, water vapour and heat transmission) properties, while inducing it with electrical conductivity and UV protection. The effect of PCNF printing, followed by applying a hydrophobic polyacrylate (AP), on the same (back/B, turned outwards) or other (front/F, turned towards skin) side of the fabric, with and without the addition of 0.1–0.4 wt% SWCNTs, was studied by determining the amount of applied coating and its distribution (microscopic imaging), and measuring the fabric’s colour, air permeability, thickness, mechanical, flame and abrasion resistance properties. Due to the synergistic effect of PCNF and SWCNTs, both-sided printed fabric (front-side printed with PCNF and back-side with SWCNTs within AP) resulted in an increased heat transfer (25%) and an improved thermal resistance (shift of degradation temperature by up to 18 °C towards a higher value) and UV protection (UPF of 109) without changing the colour of the fabric. Such treatment also affected the moisture management properties with an increased water-vapour transfer (17%), reduced water uptake (39%) and asymmetric wettability due to the hydrophilic front (Contact Angle 46°) and hydrophobic back (129°) side. The increased tensile (16%) and tear (39%) strengths were also assessed in the warp direction, without worsening the abrasion resistance of the front-side. A pressure-sensing electrical conductivity (up to 4.9∙10−4 S/cm with an increase to 12.0∙10−4 S/cm at 2 bars) of the SWCNT-printed side ranks the fabric among the antistatic, electrostatic discharge (ESD) or electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding protectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanja Kokol
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-(0)2-220-7896; Fax: +386-(0)2-220-7990
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Euler L, Juthberg R, Flodin J, Guo L, Ackermann PW, Persson NK. Textile Electrodes: Influence of Electrode Construction and Pressure on Stimulation Performance in Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES). ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:1305-1308. [PMID: 34891525 DOI: 10.1109/embc46164.2021.9630649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The major reason for preventable hospital death is venous thromboembolism (VTE). Non-pharmacological treatment options include electrical stimulation or compression therapy to improve blood flow in the extremities. Textile electrodes offer potential to replace bulky devices commonly used in this field, thereby improving the user compliance. In this work, the performance of dry and wet knitted electrodes in combination with pressure application to the electrode was evaluated in neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). A motor point stimulation on the calf was performed on nine healthy subjects to induce a plantarflexion and the required stimulation intensity as well as the perceived pain were assessed. The performance of the different electrode constructions was compared and the influence of the pressure application was analysed. The results show that wet textile electrodes (0.9 % saline solution) perform significantly better than dry electrodes. However, opportunities were found for improving the performance of dry textile electrodes by using an uneven surface topography in combination with an intermediate to high pressure application to the electrode (> 20 mmHg), e.g. by using a compression stocking. Moreover, the smaller of the two tested electrode areas (16 cm2; 32 cm2) appears to be favourable in terms of stimulation comfort and efficiency.
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