Heating behaviors of metallic textile structures

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the concept of “electrically conductive fabrics”. The primer applications that import electrical conductivity properties to textiles and clothing are summarized. Also the heated fabric panels produced by steel yarns are evaluated. Single and multi-ply steel fabrics are applied to electrical current and their heating behaviors are observed and compared. Design/methodology/approach The integration of electronic components with textiles to create very smart structures is getting more and more attention in recent years. Most of the textile materials are electrical insulators. Hence, various types of fibers and fabrics having reasonably good electrical conductivity are required especially for electronically functional apparel products. The textile-based materials being flexible and easily workable are the most preferred one in such cases. In this study, the steel yarns are placed in the fabric construction owing to their flexible characteristics. The heating panels used in this study are produced by conventional textile processes and applied to electrical current. For this purpose, an electronic circuit that contains textile-based warming panels connected to a power supply, has been developed. Findings The heated steel fabric panels with different number of plies provide different heating degree intervals owing to the different resistance levels, Therefore, in the applications of textile-based heating elements it is suggested that the electrical characterization of conductive materials should be examined and the materials that have the most appropriate electrical resistance characteristic must be applied. Furthermore, in the circuits used for heating function, the current amount depends on the electrical features of heating structures. Consequently, the pads with different plies have various efficient heating in point of time. It is recommended that the appropriate heating pad dimensions, ply or conductive yarn amounts and sufficient power supply conditions should be evaluated and chosen according to the desired heating level. Originality/value Electrically conductive stainless steel yarns are processed to form a heating panel that can be used within an electronic circuit as a warming mechanism.