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Advanced Functional Materials for Intelligent Thermoregulation in Personal Protective Equipment
Alireza Saidi1,2,3, Chantal Gauvin3, Safa Ladhari2
1Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351 Boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada.
Polymers
|November 13, 2021
Summary
Smart textiles offer intelligent thermoregulation in personal protective equipment, mitigating risks from extreme workplace temperatures. This technology enhances worker safety, performance, and productivity by reducing accidents and improving comfort.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Textile Engineering
Background:
- Extreme workplace temperatures pose significant physical hazards to workers.
- Inadequate thermoregulation in protective gear and non-compliance with standards contribute to thermal stress and accidents.
- Current personal protective equipment (PPE) often uses polymeric materials lacking intelligent thermoregulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of smart textile technologies for intelligent thermoregulation in PPE.
- To discuss the potential of smart textiles in enhancing worker safety and performance.
- To analyze commercially available systems and research advancements in this field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on smart textiles and thermoregulation.
- Analysis of commercially available smart protective equipment.
- Discussion of technological advancements in conductive and functional polymeric materials for smart textiles.
Main Results:
- Smart textiles, based on conductive and functional polymers, can detect stimuli and enable intelligent thermoregulation.
- Interconnected sensors and actuators in smart textiles enhance wearer safety, protection, and comfort.
- These technologies have the potential to reduce workplace errors, accidents, and improve productivity.
Conclusions:
- Smart textile technologies offer a promising solution to thermal stress in workplaces.
- Intelligent thermoregulation in PPE can significantly improve worker safety, efficiency, and comfort.
- Further development and adoption of smart textiles are crucial for advancing occupational safety.
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