Military textiles health monitoring

E-textiles may be defined as textiles with electronic properties, and the markets for E-textiles are rapidly growing. An E-textile is an application built within a textile. E-textiles are finding their use in wearable technology, sports and fitness markets, medical and health monitoring systems, sleep apnea monitoring systems, antenna applications, space, military, infotainment, fashion, and others. Conductive tapes, webbings, fabrics, and 3D preforms are being used for E-textile applications. E-textile markets will soon be a billion dollar industry. 

E-textiles are being used in wearable technology, the sports and fitness market, health monitoring systems, sleep apnea monitoring systems, antenna applications, and space, defense, and military applications. 

Textiles are not only to protect/cover or skin but show self-expression, taste, and personality of the wearer. They can also demonstrate socioeconomic status and cultural movements. Moreover, in the modem fashion world, textiles are highly relied on for their beauty and aesthetic appeal. Recent advancements in wearable devices have extended the functionality of textile materials to smart textiles. Now the term smart textiles is referred to as active or passive depending on the placement of actuators. If the actuator is embedded in the textile, then it is active otherwise is passive. Smart textiles play a key role in our day-to-day life, including the fields of health monitoring, personal trackers, military use, education, home appliances, transportation, gaming, entertainment, and music. Table 9.3 shows the applications of smart/inteUigent textiles to various areas. 

The incorporation of e-textiles into military uniforms has helped achieve sophisticated functions such as physiological status monitoring, wearable power supplies and electric resistive heating. A soldier should be in good physical condition to optimally perform his or her mission. Health monitoring can help to improve the promptness in provision of medical facilities in the treatment of casualties. 

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