Development and preliminary evaluation of copper-plated knitted fabrics for potential wrist-based skin temperature monitoring

Purpose This study aims to develop electroless copper-plated knitted fabrics as candidate substrates for wrist-based skin temperature monitoring and to evaluate their physical properties together with a non-functional wristband shell in a preliminary user study. Design/methodology/approach Two polyurethane (PU)-blended single-jersey knitted fabrics, viscose/PU (VIPU) and polyester/PU (PSPU), were electrolessly copper-plated. Copper add-on, thickness, electrical conductivity, surface morphology and thermal behavior under a constant-temperature heating stage were measured. A wristband shell was then constructed from the plated fabric as a non-functional prototype without integrated sensing circuitry, and a small user survey was conducted to collect basic feedback on usability, comfort and design. Findings Two polyurethane (PU)-blended single-jersey knitted fabrics, viscose/PU (VIPU) and polyester/PU (PSPU), were electrolessly copper-plated. Copper add-on, thickness, electrical conductivity, surface morphology and thermal behavior under a constant-temperature heating stage were measured. A wristband shell was then constructed from the plated fabric as a non-functional prototype without integrated sensing circuitry, and a small user survey was conducted to collect basic feedback on usability, comfort and design. Originality/value This study applies electroless copper plating to two polyurethane-blended single-jersey knitted fabrics and examined how metallization affected their structural, electrical and thermal behavior. A wristband prototype was then constructed using the plated fabric and evaluated for usability, comfort and design-related satisfaction. These results provide early, application-oriented evidence for using copper-plated knitted fabrics as elastic substrates for wrist-based skin temperature monitoring.