Standardization News

Smart Textiles Workshop

Attendance Includes Representatives from Several ASTM Committees

Stephen Szczesuil, textile technologist, U.S. Army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center, Natick, Mass., speaks on the military nonwoven fabric project during the smart textile workshop held in Atlanta, Ga., on Feb. 1.

Representatives from a wide range of ASTM International committees attended a workshop on Smart Textile Applications held Feb. 1 in Atlanta, Ga. The workshop featured six presentations that touched on a variety of applications in the growing smart textiles field.

The workshop provided a forum for the exchange of information among various industries developing intelligence within their textile products. The 65 ASTM members who attended the workshop represent the following ASTM committees:

  • D13 on Textiles;
  • D35 on Geosynthetics;
  • E54 on Homeland Security Applications;
  • E56 on Nanotechnology;
  • F04 on Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices;
  • F08 on Sports Equipment and Facilities; and
  • F23 on Protective Clothing.

The term "smart textiles" refers to emerging ways to use nanotechnology in fabric. Smart textiles can be used to adjust body temperature, regulate heart rate and provide antimicrobial protection in hospitals and other medical situations. While much of the work being done with smart textiles currently deals with clothing, other applications, including use of smart textiles in construction, are also being explored.

Presentations at the workshop focused on measuring electrical properties of conductive textiles; developing active barrier protective apparel for healthcare applications; creating high visibility clothing for highway workers, roadside runners, cyclists and others; and other relevant topics.

"The diversity within this new technology was apparent and well-represented through the subject matter in the presentations and the collection of committee members in the room," said Jennifer Rodgers, ASTM's staff manager for Committee D13 on Textiles. "ASTM will continue organizing relevant workshops and meetings to explore the potential for future standards development in smart textiles."

All interested individuals can contact Jennifer Rodgers, ASTM (phone: 610-832-9694), or Pat Picariello, ASTM (phone: 610-832-9720).


Issue Month
March/April
Issue Year
2012