This project is co-founded by NanoTera and deals with the development of flexible polymeric optical fibers. These are fibers which can transport light. The production process of such fibers will be performed using a melt-spinning pilot plant at EMPA. Commercial optical fibers are normally done using a melt-draw technique which is much slower. The transparent polymers which are used in this project are partially synthesized in-house. We aim at integrating these fibers into fabrics using embroidery, weaving or knitting technics without losing any flexibility of the fabric. Chemically modified, these fabrics are to be used as wound sensor or as pulse-oximeter.

Project partners

CSEM Neuchâtel, Switzerland
ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Universitätsspital Zürich, Switzerland

Kontact
Dr. Lukas Scherer

Cooling of thermosensitive patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) can improve clinical symptoms, e.g., gross and fine motor performance, spasticity, muscle strength, and fatigue. To increase MS patients’ endurance while walking, we have developed a textile personal cooling garment which is independent of external supplies, light-weight, and adjustable to a broad range of topographies. The operational principle of the novel garment is based on water evaporation out of a thin 3-layer laminate, composed of two polymer membranes with a hydrophilic fabric in between acting as water reservoir.

Project partners
Unico Swiss tex GmbH
Klinik Valens

Contact
Markus Weder

The most important problems in monitoring electrophysiological signals are the electrodes. Typically the electrodes are glued to the skin because they are designed only for a short term application of max. 24 hours.

Project description
Developing of a Shirt which is equipped with new embroided 3-D electrodes with a good conductance to the human skin. The electrodes are manufactured with plasma-coated PES fibres and embroided in different forms and shapes to achieve a suitable signal/noise ratio. The embroided electrodes yield a good signal also for elderly persons with dry skin.

Project partners
Odlo, Bischoff Textil AG, Strela, Schiller AG, NTB, STF, ETHZ, HSR

Contact
Markus Weder