• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Printed Electronics
    • Raw Materials
    • Equipment
    • Services
    • Suppliers Guide
    • Resources
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Printed Electronics
  • Raw Materials
  • Equipment
  • Services
  • Suppliers Guide
  • Resources
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Breaking News
    Experts Opinion
    Financial News
    Manufacturers News
    Mergers and Acquisitions
    Online Exclusives
    Personnel
    Product Releases
    Suppliers News
    Live From Shows
    Displays and Lighting
    Photovoltaics
    Printed Batteries
    Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics
    Flexible and Printed Electronics
    RFID and NFC
    Sensors and Wearables
    Smart Cards and Packaging
    Touch Screens
    Adhesives, Barriers and Encapsulants
    Chemicals, Metals and Powders
    Conductive Inks and Coatings
    Electronic Materials
    Film, Paper, Glass and Substrates
    Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes
    Nanomaterials
    Printed Electronic Components
    Research Reports
    Semiconductors and Quantum Dots
    Energy Curing Equipment
    Lab and Testing Equipment
    Manufacturing Equipment
    Printing Equipment
    3D Printing
    Contract Manufacturing Services
    Product Design and Testing
    Research and Consulting
    Research Institutions
    Research Reports
    Universities
    Equipment
    All Companies
    Materials
    Categories
    Converting
    Printed Electronics Systems
    Associations
    Research and Services
    Used Machinery
    Add New Company
    Industry Events
    Live from show events
    Podcasts
    Videos
    Blogs
    Slideshows
    Infographics
    Webinars
    Whitepapers
    Equipment and Services
    Glossary
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Suppliers Guide
      • Suppliers Guide
      • Add Your Company
    • Printed Electronics
      • Photovoltaics
      • Printed Batteries
      • Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics
      • Flexible and Printed Electronics
      • RFID and NFC
      • Sensors and Wearables
      • Smart Cards and Packaging
      • Touch Screens
    • Raw Materials
      • Adhesives, Barriers and Encapsulants
      • Chemicals, Metals and Powders
      • Conductive Inks and Coatings
      • Electronic Materials
      • Film, Paper, Glass and Substrates
      • Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes
      • Nanomaterials
      • Semiconductors and Quantum Dots
    • Equipment
      • Energy Curing Equipment
      • Lab and Testing Equipment
      • Manufacturing Equipment
      • Printing Equipment
      • 3D Printing
    • Services
      • Contract Manufacturing Services
      • Product Design and Testing
      • Research and Consulting
      • Research Institutions
      • Research Reports
      • Universities
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Blog
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from show events
      • Webinars
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Expert's Opinion

    ‘Smart’ Shirt Using Carbon Nanotube Threads Keeps Tabs on the Heart

    Rice’s flexible carbon nanotube fibers woven into clothing gather accurate EKG, heart rate.

    ‘Smart’ Shirt Using Carbon Nanotube Threads Keeps Tabs on the Heart
    Rice University graduate student Lauren Taylor shows a shirt with carbon nanotube thread that provides constant monitoring of the wearer’s heart. (Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)
    Related CONTENT
    • Jabil’s May Yap Awarded 2021 CIO of the Year by IDC Singapore
    • Integrated Electronics Trend to Drive In-Mold Electronics to $1.5 Billion by 2032: IDTechEx
    • The 2021 Conductive Ink Market
    • RDS Launches Tianma 13.3-inch Full HD TFT
    • SEMI: North American Semiconductor Equipment Posts $3.65 Billion in Billings in August 2021
    Mike Williams, Rice University08.31.21
    There’s no need to don uncomfortable smartwatches or chest straps to monitor your heart if your comfy shirt can do a better job.

    That’s the idea behind “smart clothing” developed by a Rice University lab, which employed its conductive nanotube thread to weave functionality into regular apparel.

    The Brown School of Engineering lab of chemical and biomolecular engineer Matteo Pasquali reported in the American Chemical Society journal Nano Letters that it sewed nanotube fibers into athletic wear to monitor the heart rate and take a continual electrocardiogram (EKG) of the wearer.

    The fibers are just as conductive as metal wires, but washable, comfortable and far less likely to break when a body is in motion, according to the researchers.

    On the whole, the shirt they enhanced was better at gathering data than a standard chest-strap monitor taking live measurements during experiments. When matched with commercial medical electrode monitors, the carbon nanotube shirt gave slightly better EKGs.

    “The shirt has to be snug against the chest,” said Rice graduate student Lauren Taylor, lead author of the study. “In future studies, we will focus on using denser patches of carbon nanotube threads so there’s more surface area to contact the skin.”

    The researchers noted nanotube fibers are soft and flexible, and clothing that incorporates them is machine washable. The fibers can be machine-sewn into fabric just like standard thread. The zigzag stitching pattern allows the fabric to stretch without breaking them.

    The fibers provided not only steady electrical contact with the wearer’s skin but also served as electrodes to connect electronics like Bluetooth transmitters to relay data to a smartphone or connect to a Holter monitor that can be stowed in a user’s pocket, Taylor said.

    Pasquali’s lab introduced carbon nanotube fiber in 2013. Since then the fibers, each containing tens of billions of nanotubes , have been studied for use as bridges to repair damaged hearts, as electrical interfaces with the brain, for use in cochlear implants, as flexible antennas and for automotive and aerospace applications. Their development is also part of the Rice-based Carbon Hub, a multi-university research initiative led by Rice and launched in 2019.

    The original nanotube filaments, at about 22 microns wide, were too thin for a sewing machine to handle. Taylor said a rope-maker was used to create a sewable thread, essentially three bundles of seven filaments each, woven into a size roughly equivalent to regular thread.

    “We worked with somebody who sells little machines designed to make ropes for model ships,” said Taylor, who at first tried to weave the thread by hand, with limited success. “He was able to make us a medium-scale device that does the same.”

    She said the zigzag pattern can be adjusted to account for how much a shirt or other fabric is likely to stretch. Taylor said the team is working with Dr. Mehdi Razavi and his colleagues at the Texas Heart Institute to figure out how to maximize contact with the skin.

    Fibers woven into fabric can also be used to embed antennas or LEDs, according to the researchers. Minor modifications to the fibers’ geometry and associated electronics could eventually allow clothing to monitor vital signs, force exertion or respiratory rate.

    Taylor noted other potential uses could include human-machine interfaces for automobiles or soft robotics, or as antennas, health monitors and ballistic protection in military uniforms. “We demonstrated with a collaborator a few years ago that carbon nanotube fibers are better at dissipating energy on a per-weight basis than Kevlar, and that was without some of the gains that we’ve had since in tensile strength,” she said.

    “We see that, after two decades of development in labs worldwide, this material works in more and more applications,” Pasquali said. “Because of the combination of conductivity, good contact with the skin, biocompatibility and softness, carbon nanotube threads are a natural component for wearables.”

    He said the wearable market, although relatively small, could be an entry point for a new generation of sustainable materials that can be derived from hydrocarbons via direct splitting, a process that also produces clean hydrogen. Development of such materials is a focus of the Carbon Hub.

    “We’re in the same situation as solar cells were a few decades ago,” Pasquali said. “We need application leaders that can provide a pull for scaling up production and increasing efficiency.”

    Co-authors of the paper are Rice graduate students Steven Williams and Oliver Dewey, and alumni J. Stephen Yan, now at Boston Consulting Group, and Flavia Vitale, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania. Pasquali is director of the Carbon Hub and the A.J. Hartsook Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and a professor of chemistry and of materials science and nanoengineering.

    The research was supported by the U.S. Air Force (FA9550-15-1-0370), the American Heart Association (15CSA24460004), the Robert A. Welch Foundation (C-1668), the Department of Energy (DE-EE0007865, DE-AR0001015), the Department of Defense (32 CFR 168a) and a Riki Kobayashi Fellowship from the Rice Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

    Read the abstract at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c01039.
    Suggested For You
    Jabil’s May Yap Awarded 2021 CIO of the Year by IDC Singapore Jabil’s May Yap Awarded 2021 CIO of the Year by IDC Singapore
    Integrated Electronics Trend to Drive In-Mold Electronics to $1.5 Billion by 2032: IDTechEx Integrated Electronics Trend to Drive In-Mold Electronics to $1.5 Billion by 2032: IDTechEx
    The 2021 Conductive Ink Market The 2021 Conductive Ink Market
    SEMI: North American Semiconductor Equipment Posts $3.65 Billion in Billings in August 2021 SEMI: North American Semiconductor Equipment Posts $3.65 Billion in Billings in August 2021
    Sustainability and the Flexible and Printed Electronics Industry Sustainability and the Flexible and Printed Electronics Industry
    RDS Launches Tianma 13.3-inch Full HD TFT RDS Launches Tianma 13.3-inch Full HD TFT
    Sensirion Opens New Sensor Production Site in Hungary Sensirion Opens New Sensor Production Site in Hungary
    Jabil Board of Directors Appoints CEO Mark Mondello as Chairman of the Board Jabil Board of Directors Appoints CEO Mark Mondello as Chairman of the Board
    Sensirion Acquires Machine Diagnostics Start-up AiSight Sensirion Acquires Machine Diagnostics Start-up AiSight
    Sogegross Group Increases Productivity with Zebra Technologies Sogegross Group Increases Productivity with Zebra Technologies
    Flex Receives Third Consecutive European Lenovo Logistics Excellence Award Flex Receives Third Consecutive European Lenovo Logistics Excellence Award
    JOLED Display Adopted for Newly-Announced ASUS OLED Monitor for HDR Content Creators JOLED Display Adopted for Newly-Announced ASUS OLED Monitor for HDR Content Creators
    ams OSRAM to Showcase Sensor Portfolio at Sensors Converge 2021 ams OSRAM to Showcase Sensor Portfolio at Sensors Converge 2021
    eMagin Finalizes $33.6 Million US DoD Contract for OLED Microdisplays eMagin Finalizes $33.6 Million US DoD Contract for OLED Microdisplays
    Seven in 10 Hospital Executives See Need to Invest More to Maximize Staff Efficiency Seven in 10 Hospital Executives See Need to Invest More to Maximize Staff Efficiency

    Related Expert's Opinion

    • Breaking News | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics | Research Reports
      IDTechEx Evaluates the Sustainability of 3D Electronics

      IDTechEx Evaluates the Sustainability of 3D Electronics

      Ease of recycling is generally the greatest sustainability concern for 3D electronics.
      Dr. Matthew Dyson, IDTechEx 04.28.22

    • Breaking News | Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes | Photovoltaics | Research Institutions
      Scientists Decide How to Prove Out Perovskite Panels for Space Power

      Scientists Decide How to Prove Out Perovskite Panels for Space Power

      In space, radiation comes from all directions in the form of protons, electrons, neutrons, alpha particles and gamma rays.
      Wayne Hicks, NREL 04.19.22

    • Displays and Lighting | Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes | Research Institutions | Universities
      Researchers Fabricate Large-Area Sky-Blue PeLEDs

      Researchers Fabricate Large-Area Sky-Blue PeLEDs

      USTC researchers prepared large-area sky-blue perovskite LEDs by blade-coating supersaturated perovskite solution.
      Liu Jia, Chinese Academy of Sciences 03.22.22


    • Research Institutions | Sensors and Wearables | Universities
      Measuring Pulse Waves with a Hair-Thin Patch

      Measuring Pulse Waves with a Hair-Thin Patch

      Personalized design was possible by inkjet printing technology.
      POSTECH 03.22.22

    • Displays and Lighting | Electronic Materials | Universities
      Flexible LEC Components for Efficient Light Emission

      Flexible LEC Components for Efficient Light Emission

      The LEC light source is extremely thin, flexible and light and can now be easily modified to be up to 60% more efficient.
      Ingrid Söderbergh, Umea University 03.17.22

    • Breaking News | Photovoltaics | Research Institutions | Universities
      Disorder-Engineered Inorganic Nanocrystals Set New Efficiency Record for Ultrathin Solar Cells

      Disorder-Engineered Inorganic Nanocrystals Set New Efficiency Record for Ultrathin Solar Cells

      In the search for new technologies for thin photovoltaic systems, solar cells based on AgBiS2 nanocrystals have emerged.
      ICFO 02.16.22


    • Breaking News | Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes | Photovoltaics | Universities
      New Technique Boosts Efficiency, Sustainability of Large-Scale Perovskite Solar Cells

      New Technique Boosts Efficiency, Sustainability of Large-Scale Perovskite Solar Cells

      This allows for the creation of lightweight, flexible solar cells.
      Matt Shipman, North Carolina State University 01.27.22

    • Breaking News | Research Reports | RFID and NFC
      IDTechEx: The Market Momentum in RFID

      IDTechEx: The Market Momentum in RFID

      Retail apparel and footwear tagging is the largest UHF RFID market by tag volume as well as market value.
      Dr. Yu-Han Chang, IDTechEx Technology Analyst 01.14.22

    • Breaking News | Research Reports | RFID and NFC
      IDTechEx: What to Expect for the Future for RFID

      IDTechEx: What to Expect for the Future for RFID

      ...
      Dr. Yu-Han Chang, IDTechEx Technology Analyst 12.07.21


    • Experts Opinion | Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes | Photovoltaics | Universities
      Ultrathin Solar Cells Get a Boost from Perovskites

      Ultrathin Solar Cells Get a Boost from Perovskites

      Rice lab finds 2D perovskite compound has the right stuff to challenge bulkier products.
      Mike Williams, Rice University 12.02.21

    • Experts Opinion | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Sensors and Wearables | Universities
      NUS Researchers Develop World’s First Smart Bandage that Detects Multiple Biomarkers

      NUS Researchers Develop World’s First Smart Bandage that Detects Multiple Biomarkers

      Wearable sensor can detect multiple chronic wound biomarkers to facilitate timely and personalized wound management.
      National University of Singapore 12.02.21

    • Experts Opinion | Flexible and Printed Electronics | Sensors and Wearables | Universities
      UArizona Researchers Develop Ultra-Thin

      UArizona Researchers Develop Ultra-Thin 'Computer on the Bone'

      Engineers and physicians teamed up to develop a wireless device to monitor and protect bone health.
      Emily Dieckman, University of Arizona Communications 11.30.21


    • Breaking News | Printed Circuit Boards/Membrane Switches/In Mold Electronics | Research Reports
      IDTechEx: In-Mold Electronics: Short Term Pain - Long Term Gain

      IDTechEx: In-Mold Electronics: Short Term Pain - Long Term Gain

      This greater integration means that IME will enable reduced fewer parts/materials and fewer assembly processes overall.
      Dr. Matthew Dyson, IDTechEx Senior Technology Analyst 11.09.21

    • Manufacturers News | Sensors and Wearables
      The Lab of the Future May Be Here Before We Know It

      The Lab of the Future May Be Here Before We Know It

      Spurred by COVID-19, the momentum for digital tech in lab research is growing and brings a broad digital toolkit that includes AI, robotics, and IoT sensors.
      Cole McCollum, Lux Research Analyst 11.04.21

    • Breaking News | Graphene, Perovskites and Carbon Nanotubes | Photovoltaics | Research Institutions
      New Technique Paves the Way for Perfect Perovskites

      New Technique Paves the Way for Perfect Perovskites

      Next-gen solar material could outshine other solar cells.
      Theresa Duque 10.25.21

    Trending
    • Graphene Flagship Launches Its First Customizable Wafer Run
    • JDI Develops eLEAP, World’s First Maskless Deposition + Lithographic OLED
    • JDI Develops ELEAP, World’s First Maskless Deposition + Lithographic OLED
    • LG Display Showcases Innovative OLED Technology at SID 2022
    • Onera Health’s Biomedical-Lab-on-Chip Draws Interest at CES 2022
    Breaking News
    • Wiliot Launches Battery-Assisted Version of its IoT Pixel Tags
    • From Phygital to Virtual IDs
    • Zebra Technologies Board Approves Additional $1 Billion Share Repurchase
    • Tageos Launches EOS-840 RAIN RFID Sensor Inlays
    • Emerson Earns Third Consecutive 2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    Winter 2021

    • Printed Electronics Now’s International Suppliers’ Directory
    • The Automotive Market and Flexible and Printed Electronics
    • Flexible and Printed Electronics in Healthcare
    • Flexible and Printed Electronics Make Gains in Smart Packaging
    • PAPERONICS: Low-cost multisensory paper and packaging applications
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Bilberon Bilberry Extract Receives U.S. Patent For Eye Strain, Neck/Shoulder Pain
    Jordan Process Receives Nutrasource ICAP Certification for CBD
    FDA Warns About Steroids or Steroid-Like Substances in Bodybuilding Supplements
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Award for Sustainability: Evonik Receives EcoVadis Platinum Rating Again
    HMG Paints Gets Their Running Shoes On
    AGM Secures Exclusive Distribution Agreement with Indian Partner Imkemex
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Robocath Presents Results from R-Evolution Clinical Study
    Medtronic's Resolute Onyx Drug-Eluting Stent Shows Success for Left Main PCI
    Medtronic Shares 3-Year Renal Denervation Blood Pressure Trial Data
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Emergent CDMO Case Studies: Project Design & Implementation of Fill/Finish Technologies
    Aptar Pharma Launches HeroTracker Sense
    MasterControl Features Quality Management and Manufacturing Execution Systems
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Mielle Organics Welcomes Steve Pamon to Advisory Board
    Makeup Revolution Expands into Walgreens
    Nu Skin Joins EcoBeautyScore Consortium
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Revolution Beauty Expands Makeup Revolution Into Walgreens
    Barentz Develops Electronic Personal Care Product Guide
    P&G Temporarily Closes Downtown Cincinnati Office Due to Potential Security Concerns
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Award for Sustainability: Evonik Receives Platinum Rating Again
    Nazdar Ink Technologies to Showcase Latest Ink Innovations at FESPA Global Print Expo 2022
    Epson Introduces First Direct-to-Fabric Printer for North America
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    In-Mold Decorating Association announces 2022 IMDA Awards Competition
    Essentra Packaging invests in Landa Nanographic press
    Nazdar to manufacture VFP electronic ink for US Market
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    'Right' Hygiene Conference to be Held in June
    Freudenberg to Present Battery Pack and Liquid Absorbers at Battery Show
    H&V Appoints Vice President and General Counsel
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Envista To Acquire Osteogenics
    Exactech Earns Breakthrough Status for JointMedica's Polymotion Hip Resurfacing
    Orthotic Brace Suppliers Convicted in $6.5M Fraud Scheme
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Tageos Launches EOS-840 RAIN RFID Sensor Inlays
    Emerson Earns Third Consecutive 2022 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award
    First Solar to Sell Japan Project Development, O&M Platforms to PAG Real Assets

    Copyright © 2022 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login