Influence of stitch type division and geometry on the electrical properties of conductive embroidered structures

Abstract

Conductive threads are essential for enabling the functionality of e-textiles in sensor applications. However, in this field, there is still a need to study their practical usage, particularly thick embroidered structures. This study investigates the potential of using conductive embroidered structures as sensors and examines how different stitch types can affect the electrical properties of embroidered structures in e-textiles. The paper also explores the application of embroidered structures in twisting and temperature variation, and evaluates their stability when subjected to washing, abrasion and cyclic tension. Three rectangular structures with varying stitch types and geometries were embroidered and tested. The findings highlight the influence of stitch types on electrical properties and demonstrate how washing can affect the different stitch patterns. Furthermore, the structure with the largest jump length can be used in a design suitable for sensing twisting, while all three structures are suitable for detecting temperature variations. This research adds to the development of efficient and long-lasting embroidered electronics textile by providing significant insights for e-textile industrial production.