A master's thesis project conducted at Linköping University, in collaboration with Grafren AB
Jun – Nov 2021
For a master's thesis project in design and product development, the properties and characteristics of graphene textiles are investigated by following the method Material Driven Design. The result is the portfolio below, which contains a collection of conceptual applications meant to inspire further use of this extraordinary material.
Applications For Graphene Textiles
Please take a look to get inspired of the possibilities of graphene textiles!
//Louise Josefsson
The Concepts
Click on one to learn more, or keep scrolling.
Textile Camping Cooker
A heatable textile to facilitate cooking on camping trips
Cooking when camping has never been easier! Only a heatable graphene coated textile and a power source (e.g. batteries) are needed, as well as an insulating bottom layer to protect the ground.
A photo of the heatable textile cooking a cup of pasta.
Given that only a single layer of heatable fabric is needed, it requires much less space than a conventional camping kitchen. The textile is also ultra light (only 7 grams), meaning that the only noticeable weight comes from the batteries.
A conventional camping
kitchen suitable for two people.
A cup on the
heatable graphene textile.
The heatable textile folded around the battery box.
Size reference for the
packed camping cooker.
Real time heating of the textile camping cooker.
Thermal image of the camping cooker, power is off.
Thermal image of the camping cooker, power is on.
The fabric is heated upon supply of electrical power from batteries. It is ready to use in ten seconds, and cools down immediately afterwards. This means that the waiting time is significantly reduced, and that the cooker can be packed away quickly afterwards.
Damage Detection Fabric
A fabric that can notify when it is damaged
For people working in dangerous conditions, their protective uniform can provide additional assistance by sensing if it is damaged. The graphene textile can notice any damage thanks to the extraordinary ability of detecting a change in resistance. If the protective uniform is damaged, it is possible that the wearer has sustained injuries as well. Only one thin layer of fabric is needed, and could be a suitable middle layer of the uniform. Possible uses could be for firefighters, military, and deepwater divers.
It is visible in the application who has
received any damage to their uniform and where.
In this example, the firefighter Charlie has not noticed a small cut on his leg. Fortunately, the uniform has detected it and sent a notification to the team leader who can assess the situation and decide on a suitable course of action.
A close-up of the damaged grahene fabric.
The firefighter Charlie receives a small cut without noticing.
The small hole in the uniform is only registered by the fabric.
Image taken from Unsplash.
Textile Keyboard
A keyboard consisting of thin graphene fabric with touch sensors
A keyboard made of pressure sensitive graphene fabric. The fabric is an array of pressure sensors, where each of them corresponds to a key. This keyboard is soft, lightweight, comfortable to use, and easy to transport.
Video showing an example of the use of the keyboard.
Technical image showing how each sensor in the
pressure sensitive graphene fabric corresponds to a key.
Visual prototype of the graphene textile keyboard.
Smart Stroller
A stroller with extra features through the use of graphene textiles, for a safer and more comfortable child care
Given the unique properties of the graphene heatable textile and the graphene textile pressure sensors, this stroller does not look or feel any different to others. Only the additional functions sets it apart.
The handles sense when someone is holding them thanks to graphene pressure sensors.
During winter, the handles are heated when held.
When the handles are released, an automatic brake is activated.
Textile heaters in the mattress to keep the baby cozy and comfortable.
Textile pressure sensors in the mattress to measure the activity of the baby.
Image taken from Unsplash.
Connect to an application for additional features
Activate or deactivate the heatable mattress.
See the baby's activity.
Keep track of the temperature inside the stroller.
Get notified when the baby wakes up from a nap.
Anti-Mosquito Jacket
Clothes that prevent mosquito bites through electric shocks
When an insect gets in contact with the jacket, it is electrocuted by a small current on the exterior. The current does not need to be strong enough to kill the insect, it could be sufficient to make it uncomfortable enough to fly away. It would also be harmless for people to touch the jacket (though you should not lick the active surface). The exterior layer can be electrically activated, while remaining lightweight, breathable, and flexible thanks to the unique qualities of graphene textiles! With this product, you will never suffer the horrors of mosquito bites ever again!
Example of the deactivated jacket.
When activated, the pattern is lit up for a clear visual feedback.
Mosquito sits down on the jacket, and gets zapped!
Smart Carpet
Real time updates of the people inside, with additional assistance in emergencies
In buildings where lots of people stay or visit, graphene textile pressure sensors in carpets could offer great assistance. Examples include schools, nursing homes, shopping centres, and hotels. Firstly, the carpet could provide live information of how many people are inside, as well as where they are and how they are moving. This could be used for multiple purposes. E.g., in stores or shopping centres, the sensors could collect valuable information about customer activity and help management dispatch staff for improved customer service. Thanks to the properties of graphene textile pressure sensors, only one layer of fabric and a power source are needed.
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In emergencies, these sensors could notify when everyone is out of harms way, or if someone needs help and where. With the addition of optic sensors in the carpet, dynamic pathways could light up and guide people to the nearest exit, no matter where they are.
The sensors in the carpet keeps track of
the people (the pink dots) inside the building.
Illustrations of the dynamic exit ways. Different
paths are illuminated depending on where people are.
Sign Language Interpreter
Gloves with graphene textile sensors along the fingers and wrists that can identify the movements of sign language
Video demonstrating the service of the live translation of sign language to text.
The gloves are activated by pressing the ring fingers against each other for three seconds, which is possible thanks to the graphene textile pressure sensors. When activated, the gloves are connected to a program that is able to identify the movement for each sign, and can therefore identify what is communicated.
The design of the threads show approximately where the strain sensors are located. The pressure sensor on the ring finger is marked for easy activation.
Select languages in the application.
The translation is displayed in the box underneath.
To facilitate communication, this program can translate every sign language into every speaking language in either text or speech. For text, a mobile application can be used. For live speech translation, speakers can be integrated into the cuffs of the gloves.
The technology behind the system
With graphene textile strain sensors, these gloves only need one thin layer of fabric. It is practically impossible to distinguish the textile sensors from regular fabric, meaning that the gloves can come in many designs for different occasions. The battery can be placed in the cuffs to avoid being in the way.
Illustration of the approximate placements of the various sensors.
Graphene textile pressure sensor
Graphene textile strain sensor