Electronic temperature sensing yarn

Abstract

This paper reports the development of an electronic temperature sensing (ETS) yarn by embedding commercially available thermistors within the fibres of a yarn. The thermistor is initially soldered onto a fine copper wire and then encapsulated to form a polymer micro-pod. The micro-pod protects the thermistor from mechanical and chemical stresses. Thereafter the fine copper wire with micro-pods is covered by a tubular warp knitted structure to craft the final ETS yarn. The miniature size of the micro-pod makes the electronics invisible to the wearer. Such a yarn can be used to knit or weave any textile structure. It is also capable of providing temperature readings at a given point (localised) and can be used to make a wearable thermograph. Where the ETS yarn is included in a garment, it can be safely washed.