Thermochromic Yarns’ Application in Fever Detection for Young Children

Abstract

The existing literature emphasizes the significance of and needs for developing body temperature monitoring devices that can consistently and discreetly assess the temperatures of young children. Such products could offer a method to check children’s body temperature and alleviate parents’ concerns over fever. However, research gaps and challenges exist in preserving material flexibility, conducting tests in a controlled setting that mimics body temperature, and investigating consumer perceptions of this type of functional textile product. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate functional textiles using thermochromic yarns for young children’s body temperature detection, particularly focusing on testing prototypes in a controlled environment and empirically investigating target consumers’ perceptions of such products. Experimental prototype testing and a consumer survey were conducted in this study. The findings validate the practicality and market potential of such products. We also proposed alternative mediums for implementing the functional yarn and recommendations for developing these products based on target consumers’ concerns and suggestions. This research helped identify potential economic development possibilities for functional textiles.

Keywords

• functional textiles
• thermochromic yarns
• young children
• knitting
• fever detection