Design of Powernet Knitted Fabrics from PET/BaTiO3 as Pressure Garments for Rehabilitation of Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

In this study, powernet warp-knit fabrics were designed using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarns melt-spun with three different amounts (20, 25, and 30 wt.%) of barium titanate (BaTiO3) and 30 wt.% elastane yarns. The resulting fabrics were characterized by antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, electromagnetic shielding properties, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses, stiffness tests at MD and CD (machine and cross directions), and pressure measurements using wireless pressure sensors. According to the results, the newly-designed pressure garments would help in the rehabilitation of cerebral palsy patients to improve motor skills and to prevent complications by training muscles with the needed tight structure and electric stimulus onto limbs. They would also provide a hygienic environment during long physical therapy for future designs.