Smart textile-integrated thermochromic display for real-time temperature monitoring in elderly care

Abstract

With the rapidly aging population, maintaining personalized thermal comfort and preventing heat loss for elderly individuals has become increasingly important. Heating textiles provide an effective solution for warmth; however, without proper monitoring, the risk of overheating in real-world applications remains a concern. To address this challenge, thermochromic textiles offer a visual, real-time temperature indication through color change, enhancing both safety and usability. In this study, thermochromic electric heating textiles were developed in woven and knitted structures, each offering distinct hand feel and performance characteristics. Key parameters, including heating efficiency, thermochromic response, thermal insulation, and overall thermal comfort, were systematically analyzed and compared. Findings reveal that double-layer fabric structures exhibit superior heat distribution and heating efficiency compared to single-layer counterparts, with the double-layer woven fabric demonstrating a more pronounced thermochromic color change upon heating. Based on these insights, a collection of thermochromic heating cushions was designed for elderly care applications. Additionally, as a proof of concept, a fully textile-based electronic control system was proposed, enabling caregivers to remotely monitor the surface temperature of the heating fabric in real time and adjust the heating levels accordingly. By bridging the fields of textile engineering, smart materials, and healthcare monitoring, this study introduces innovative design strategies that enhance both functionality and user experience in elderly-focused heating textiles.