O o d h e a d p u b L i s h I n g L i m I t e d

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Intelligent wool apparel
S.   R.   C O L L I E, AgResearch Limited, New Zealand
Abstract: This chapter describes how wool is currently being used in the
field of intelligent textiles, and how it may be exploited in this field in the
future. Initially, categories of intelligent or ‘smart’ textiles are defined, and
what constitutes a smart textile is discussed. Specific applications of wool
in the field are then reviewed, focusing on its combination with inherently
conductive polymers and its use in wearable electronic systems. Finally,
future opportunities for wool to be exploited in smart textiles are
discussed.
Key words: intelligent wool textiles, categories of smart and intelligent
textiles, wearable electronics, inherently conductive polymers, in situ
polymerisation