Durability of embroidered antennas in wireless body-centric healthcare applications

Embroidered tags using conductive sewing thread are believed to be strong candidates for the implementation of wearable antennas in wireless body-centric healthcare applications. These applications demand wearable antennas that are durable and mechanically robust. Here, the durability of embroidered wearable tags is investigated using various washing procedures. The results provide important knowledge of how different water temperatures, detergents, and mechanical strain produced by the washing machine affect the embroidered tag performance. Using the attained results, we propose guidelines for increasing the embroidered tag durability and demonstrate that polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer is a potential candidate for its outstanding properties of being a soft, hydrophobic, heat resistant, low loss, and flexible material.