A roadmap study of wearable electronic textile materials: a comprehensive review

Abstract Modern life has changed significantly because of civilization. Everything is developing on a regular basis as a result of research exploration; electronic textiles are one of them. The improvements would not be restricted to Machine-made textiles. However, development in the fields of synthetic fibers, regenerated fibers, and smart fabrics has progressed. New forms of textiles known as wearable electronic textiles have been developed during the last 20 years. Smart textiles can detect and respond to environmental stimuli such as mechanical, biological, thermal, magnetic, chemical, and other types of stimuli. Basically, this review study focused on the terms of smart textiles in the modern era. In this paper, the pathway of smart fibers in smart textiles is discussed briefly. It also discusses the types of smart textiles including passive smart textiles, active smart textiles, very smart textiles, and advanced smart textiles. Moreover, this paper describes the fabrication techniques of conductive fibers, treated conductive fibers, conductive fabrics, conductive ink integration of planar fashionable circuit board, and conductive substances as sensor. It also summarizes the applications and consequences of smart textiles. Finally, it is concluded by describing the challenges and future trends of smart textiles. Graphical abstract