About the Project

By utilising cutting-edge printing technology and formulated chemicals, we will embed conductive circuits directly onto flexible textiles, enabling localised heat generation. This innovation not only enhances wearer comfort but also significantly reduces energy consumption by warming individuals rather than entire rooms. Designed with the unique needs of healthcare environments in mind, these thermally responsive textiles and garments will improve wearers’ care, support carers in maintaining optimal working conditions, and contribute to the NHS’s sustainability goals by minimising energy use.

The research in this area began in 2013 with a focus on Phase Change Material (PCM) supported temperature-regulated textiles, funded by an EPSRC/DTP scholarship led by Dr. Sun. This work evolved into the ‘Offshore Survival Garment’ project, funded by Iron Ocean and Oil & Gas UK, and led by Prof. David Bucknall and Dr. Sun from February 2017 to October 2018. The current project, ‘Heat the Human,’ builds on this foundation, employing a printing approach to embed conductive circuits into textiles. This method effectively and efficiently generates localised heat, offering a more advanced and sustainable solution for thermal regulation in the Healthcare Sector.

This project will transform NHS Scotland’s approach to thermal management by introducing “heat the human” textiles, enhancing patient care and carer comfort while reducing energy consumption. By embedding conductive circuits into flexible fabrics, we will localise heat generation, significantly lowering energy usage and supporting the NHS’s sustainability and efficiency objectives.