Trial: Far Infrared Functional Textiles

Far-infrared textiles with high heat preservation
Far-infrared textiles with high heat preservation

A cost-effective and eco-friendly far infrared (FIR) functional fiber has been developed in the parent project (ITP/001/18TP). The developed FIR fiber has achieved the standard of GB/T 30127-2013 and FT-IR spectroscopy testing, with emissivity above 88% and temperature increase above 1.8°C. This prototype project aims to make use of the developed spinning technology to produce a series of far infrared-based thermal textiles for elderly. The FIR textiles will be suitable for making the elderly daily wear with softness properties and thermal protection. In order to facilitate the long wearing time during the trial period, the daily wear package will include an underwear top and a two-piece pajamas (top and pants) for 40 elderly subjects.

Application

The FIR functional textile is a safe material for the application in areas such as thermal wear, active wear and sleepwear. The materials are able to improve blood circulation which the better circulatory flow can further enhance the bio-healthcare abilities such as keeping warm and increasing metabolic rate and blood oxygen level.

With significant results of enhancing emissivity efficiency and a higher level of temperature rise, the products made by the FIR functional fibres may provide a new healthcare alternative for enhancing daily functioning and well-being. Besides, it provides a sustainable way of producing personal health care apparel with bio-active functions and advantages induced by the FIR. 

Industry Benefit

Compared to the conventional method, the highly efficient far infrared functional textiles are more cost-competitive and eco-friendly. The solution provides permanent far infrared function for heat preservation.
Consumers are increasingly concerned about how products are made. The FIR functional textiles are able to produce high value-added products through an innovative eco-production technology.
With these breakthroughs, this technology may fill the traditional products’ gap and gain a key position in the FIR functional textile market.

Technological Breakthrough

The new production modifies the structure of fibre cross-session to achieve better FIR radiation absorptivity and emissivity, thus enhancing heat preservation of FIR textiles. The structural modification of fibre cross-section is applicable in all types of synthetic materials. The production method does not require any chemicals, additives, or coatings. As such, the function is more durable and able to endure numerous washes. Textile products made by such fibres are light in weight with a balance between the properties of moisture-thermal management and comfortability.

Project Name (ITF)
Trial: Innovation of Highly Efficient Far-infrared Functional Textiles
Project Number (ITF)
ITT/051/20TP