Illuminative knitted textiles: machine knitting with polymeric optical fibres (POFs)

Ngan Yi Kitty Lam, Jeanne Tan, Anne Toomey, Ka Chun Jimmy Cheuk

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate how different knitted structures affect the illuminative effect of polymeric optical fibres (POFs). Design/methodology/approach: Knit prototypes were constructed using a 7-gauge industrial hand flat knitting machine. The textile prototype swatches developed in this study tested POF illumination in three types of knitting structures: intervallic knit and float stitch structures; POF inlaid into double plain and full cardigan structures; and double plain and partial knitting structures. The illuminative effects of the POFs in seven prototype swatches were analysed and compared. Findings: It is possible to use an industrial hand flat knitting machine to knit POFs. Longer floats expose more POFs, which boosts illumination but limits the textile’s horizontal stretchability. The openness of the full cardigan structure maximises POF exposure and contributes to even illumination. The partial knitting in different sections achieves the most complete physical integration of POFs into the knitted textiles but constrains the horizontal stretchability of the textiles. Practical implications: The integration of POFs into knitted textiles provides a functional illuminative effect. Applications include but are not limited to fashion, architecture and interior design. Originality/value: This study is novel, as it investigates new POF knitted textiles with different loop structures. This study examines how knit stitches affect POFs in intervallic knit and float stitch, inlaid POF double knit, double plain and partial knit and the illuminative effects of the knitted textile.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)317-335
Number of pages19
JournalResearch Journal of Textile and Apparel
Volume28
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Apr 2024

Keywords

  • Hand flat knitting machine
  • Illuminative knitted textile
  • Knit structure
  • POF integrated textile
  • Polymeric optical fibres (POFs)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Business and International Management
  • Materials Science (miscellaneous)
  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Management of Technology and Innovation

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