In the rapidly evolving world of smart textiles, a groundbreaking study has emerged from Xi’an Polytechnic University, shedding light on the current state and future trends of intelligent textile and clothing products. Led by ZHOU Jie from the School of Apparel and Art Design, the research delves into the intricate web of innovations and collaborations that are driving this burgeoning field forward.
The study, published in Xi’an Gongcheng Daxue xuebao, which translates to the Journal of Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, leverages CiteSpace, a powerful visual analysis software, to map out the knowledge landscape of smart textiles. By examining literature from the CNKI and WOS databases spanning a decade, from 2012 to 2022, the research provides a comprehensive overview of the global research efforts and identifies key hotspots and trends.
One of the most striking findings is the rapid growth in publications, particularly in the WOS database, indicating a surging interest and investment in smart textiles globally. “The number of articles published by Chinese scholars ranks first in the world,” noted ZHOU Jie, highlighting the significant contributions from Chinese researchers. This surge in research activity is not just academic; it has profound commercial implications, particularly for sectors like energy, where smart textiles can revolutionize everything from wearable technology to energy-harvesting fabrics.
The study reveals that while Chinese institutions like Donghua University and Jiangnan University are at the forefront of application and design research, there is a notable gap in international collaboration within the CNKI database. In contrast, the WOS database shows a more interconnected global research community, with a focus on electronic component manufacturing and the development of smart fibers and fabrics.
This dichotomy suggests a dual pathway for future developments. On one hand, there is a need for enhanced global collaboration to bridge the gap between application and manufacturing. On the other, the identified hotspots—such as health detection, color-changing textures, bionic design, biomaterials, and wearable strain sensors—offer exciting avenues for innovation.
For the energy sector, the implications are vast. Smart textiles that can detect health metrics could integrate seamlessly with wearable energy devices, providing real-time data and enhancing user experience. Color-changing textiles could be used in energy-efficient displays, while bionic designs could lead to more durable and efficient energy-harvesting materials.
Looking ahead, the study identifies electronic component manufacturing and the intelligence of smart fibers and fabrics as the next big trends. As ZHOU Jie puts it, “The future of smart textiles lies in our ability to integrate advanced electronics with innovative materials, creating products that are not just smart but also sustainable and efficient.”
This research, published in Xi’an Gongcheng Daxue xuebao, serves as a roadmap for stakeholders in the smart textile industry, guiding them towards the next wave of innovations. As the field continues to evolve, the insights from this study will be invaluable in shaping a future where intelligent textiles are not just a novelty but a staple in our daily lives, transforming industries from fashion to energy and beyond.