13. Implications and applications

Research & Concept

Concept Documentation

• Definition: Magnetic textiles integrate conductive fibers or magnetic nanoparticles into fabrics, enabling them to respond to magnetic fields. These textiles have a range of applications, including smart wearables, adaptive fashion, and shielding applications.

• Purpose: Explore their potential to interact with magnetic fields for interactive garments, health monitoring, and protection from radiation.

• Scientific Relevance: Such textiles align with wearable technology, e-textiles, and functional fabrics in advanced research.

References & Inspiration

Scientific Publications and References

1. Wearable Sensors and Magnetic Textiles

   • Smart textiles have been developed to integrate sensors for motion, pressure, and stretch detection. Magnetic textiles enhanced with magnetorheological elastomers or nanoparticles (e.g., nickel ferrite) offer potential for wearable motion sensors.

   • Example Reference: Smart E-Textiles: Overview of Components and Outlook discusses sensor integration in smart textiles, including motion and stretch applications.

2. Shielding Textiles (WiFi, 4G/5G)

   • Incorporating magnetic nanoparticles such as nickel ferrite into textiles creates fabrics capable of shielding electromagnetic radiation. Fatemeh Mollaei's research focuses on magnetic textiles for protecting pregnant women from WiFi, 4G, and 5G radiation.

   • Relevant Publication Venue: Textile Research Journal frequently publishes studies on functionalized textiles for electromagnetic shielding.

3. Actuation in Smart Fabrics

   • Magnetic-responsive fibers and elastomers play a role in actuation, such as shape memory applications in smart fabrics.

   • Example: Magnetorheological elastomers are critical for dynamic actuation due to their ability to respond to external magnetic fields.

   • Research Focus: Magnetic Nanoparticles and Their Application in Actuation can be explored in journals like Smart Materials and Structures.

4. Health Applications

   • Smart fabrics embedded with magnetic nanoparticles show potential in health monitoring and physiotherapy tools. Applications include blood flow monitoring and muscle rehabilitation systems.

   • Example Journal: Smart Materials and Structures publishes research on wearable systems for healthcare and rehabilitation.

Artistic References

Iris van Herpen’s sculptural dresses, particularly from her Magnetic Motion collection , stand out due to their innovative use of magnetically-formed structures. In collaboration with artist and architect Philip Beesley, van Herpen explored the idea of energy fields and the invisible forces of magnetism as inspiration for her designs. To achieve the unique, sculptural look, she utilized magnetic fields to manipulate ferromagnetic liquids, creating intricate shapes that were then translated into wearable garments. The process involves applying magnets to a liquid solution containing magnetic particles, which allows the material to form into natural, organic patterns. These magnetically influenced formations were later 3D-printed into solid structures, resulting in garments that resemble natural crystal growths or alien-like textures. This method blends technology and nature, reflecting van Herpen’s philosophy of combining science with art in fashion design.
The collection, which also incorporated 3D printing and laser-cutting, features garments with highly detailed, sculptural shapes that seem to flow like frozen energy fields. Her designs push the boundaries of fashion by exploring how materials can be shaped beyond traditional methods, showing her pioneering vision in haute couture.

Why, What, Who, When, Where?

Why?

Magnetic textiles are developed to meet the growing demand for smart, functional fabrics in areas such as healthcare, wearable technology, electromagnetic shielding, and adaptive garments. They solve specific issues like:

• Protecting individuals from electromagnetic radiation (WiFi, 4G/5G).
• Creating motion sensors for wearable devices.
• Providing responsive functionality in actuators for smart fabrics or physiotherapy tools.

What?

Magnetic textiles are fabrics that incorporate magnetic nanoparticles or magnetic fibers, enabling them to interact with magnetic fields or provide specific properties, such as:

• Electromagnetic shielding: Blocking harmful radiation.
• Sensing: Detecting motion, strain, or environmental changes.
• Actuation: Moving or responding to stimuli via magnetic fields.

• Therapeutic applications: Enhancing blood flow or aiding in physiotherapy.
  Examples include:

• Nickel ferrite-infused fabrics for shielding.

• Magnetorheological elastomers for shape memory.

Who?

1. Majid Montazer, a prominent researcher from Amirkabir University of Technology, has contributed extensively to the development of magnetic textiles. His research explores innovative ways to enhance fabrics with magnetic properties for protective and functional applications. Key areas of his work include:

   -Protective Magnetic Textiles: Montazer investigated the incorporation of carbonyl iron and nano carbon black into polyester fabrics, further enhanced with aluminum sputtering. This approach created textiles with magnetic properties suitable for shielding against electromagnetic radiation (e.g., WiFi, 4G/5G)​

   -Microwave Absorption: Another notable study focused on magnetic nickel nanoparticles embedded into recycled PET nanofiber webs. This research demonstrated the potential for these fabrics to act as microwave absorbers, which are valuable for shielding electronic devices​

   -Multifunctional Magnetic Fabrics: Montazer has also combined magnetic materials with photoactive and antibacterial properties, contributing to the development of smart textiles. For example, dual metal oxide coatings have been applied to cotton/polyester fabrics to achieve magnetic and bioactive properties​

2. Erin Lewis: A PhD researcher in textile design, Erin Lewis explores methods to create yarns responsive to magnetic fields. Her work involves applying ferrite-based solutions (ferrofluid) to various natural and synthetic fibers to make magnetic yarns. She investigates their flexibility, weight, and sculptural potential, which are highly relevant for interactive and dynamic textiles. This innovative approach expands design possibilities for applications such as textile-based antennas and smart fabrics.

3. Jiri Militky: Known for his contributions to smart textiles and advanced materials, Militky’s research includes functionalizing textiles with nanoparticles, including magnetic materials, to enhance properties like conductivity, shielding effectiveness, and sensing capabilities.

4. Fabio B. Oliveira: A researcher with a focus on electromagnetic shielding textiles, Oliveira works on incorporating magnetic and conductive materials into fabrics to create protective applications, such as shielding against WiFi, 4G, and 5G radiation.

5. Mikael Snygg: Collaborates on projects that involve integrating magnetic nanoparticles into textiles for industrial applications, including sensing, heating, and electromagnetic shielding.

When?

• Research on magnetic textiles started gaining momentum in the 2000s, with the rise of nanotechnology and interest in smart materials.
• Recent breakthroughs, including 3D printing and flexible sensors, have accelerated developments in the last decade (2015–present).

Where?

1. Research Centers: Universities, innovation labs, and institutions focusing on textile engineering and nanomaterials.

2. Application Fields:

   • Medical: Physiotherapy wearables and blood flow monitoring.
   • Sports: Responsive gear with smart actuation properties.
   • Consumer Electronics: Wearable health and fitness sensors.

Slide show

Mentoring notes

Mentor	Feedback
Oscar	"It feels like dying. Can you use or apply existing crafts techniques to explore non-uniform ways of adding magnetic properties?"
Anastasia	"Try to make some tests in the next two weeks." YouTube Link eTextile Swatch Exchange
Cecilia	"Hi Fatima, very ambitious! I am not sure if your wish is to develop a scientifically engineered material—perfectly functional—or a proof of concept that is more experimental with different possible outcomes. Will the material/process lead the design, or are you working towards a goal/function-oriented process?"
Claudia	"Is there anybody in Armenia working in this field, like researchers you could involve in the project? A lab that could support your research?"
Nuria	"Fatima, your project seems really interesting to me, and I can think of several applications. If you have already been working on the topic, developing a proof of concept or a catalog on how different types of textiles work would be a great start."
Rico	"What an evocative concept! The idea that magnetic field reactive textiles could be made in a FabLab is really intriguing. I hope you are successful so that we all can learn from your research! One thing I wonder is how you will demonstrate the effectiveness of your anti-electromagnetic radiation protection."
Asil	"You clearly define what you want from the magnetic textile and you have a starting workflow, great start. For the next phase, I would suggest making quick tests to see if you can achieve what you have defined and then move on to making patterns with magnetism."