Smart Textiles: A New Era of Intelligent Fabrics

Bhawana Sharma, Dr. Vishakha Singh

Abstract: Smart textiles, also known as intelligent or e-textiles, represent a transformative advancement in textile engineering, combining traditional fabrics with electronic, mechanical, thermal or chemical functionalities to create interactive and responsive systems. This review synthesizes extensive research on the materials, manufacturing techniques, properties and applications of smart textiles, highlighting their growing relevance across diverse sectors. Modern smart textiles employ conductive polymers, carbon-based nanomaterials, MXenes, metallic nanowires, piezoelectric polymers, hydrogels and phase-change materials, each selected for their conductivity, durability, flexibility or thermal properties. Advanced fabrication processes such as melt and solution spinning, coaxial spinning, yarn functionalization, printed electronics, CVD and PVD deposition, embroidery, weaving, knitting and encapsulation allow seamless integration of sensors, actuators and electronic circuits into fibers, yarns and fabrics without compromising comfort or wearability. Smart textiles exhibit essential properties such as electrical conductivity, flexibility, washability, responsiveness to environmental stimuli and energy-harvesting capabilities, enabling them to function as wearable monitoring and interactive platforms. Their applications span healthcare, where they support continuous physiological monitoring; sports and fitness, where they assist in performance optimization; and energy harvesting, where fabrics convert motion, heat or friction into usable power. Further uses include human machine interfaces, protective and military gear, adaptive fashion, environmental sensing and smart infrastructure. Recent advancements emphasize self-powered systems, AI-enabled analytics, thermoregulating fabrics, self-healing materials and textile-based displays, alongside emerging innovations in sustainable and biodegradable smart textiles. Overall, the evolution of smart textiles marks a significant shift toward intelligent wearable systems that enhance comfort, safety, performance and connectivity.

Keywords: Smart textiles, e-textiles, Intelligent fabrics, Interactive textiles, Responsive materials

How to Cite?: Bhawana Sharma, Dr. Vishakha Singh, "Smart Textiles: A New Era of Intelligent Fabrics", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1082-1091, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26418150904, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26418150904

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