Design, Characterization, and Performance of Woven Fabric Electrodes for Electrocardiogram Signal Monitoring

Conductive gel needs to be applied between the skin and standard medical electrodes when monitoring electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, but this can cause skin irritation, particularly during long-term monitoring. Fabric electrodes are flexible, breathable, and capable of sensing ECG signals without conductive gel. The objective of this study was to design and fabricate a circular fabric electrode using weaving technology. To optimize the woven fabric electrode, electrodes of different diameter, fabric weave, and weft density were devised, and the AC impedance, open-circuit voltage, and static ECG signal were measured and comprehensively evaluated. Diameter of 4 cm, 12/5 sateen, and weft density of 46 picks/cm were concluded as the appropriate parameters of the fabric electrode. ECG signals in swinging, squatting, and rotating states were compared between the woven fabric electrode and the standard medical electrode. The results showed that the characteristic waveform of the woven fabric electrode with 86.7% improved data was more obvious than that of the standard medical electrode. This work provides reference data that will be helpful for commercializing the integration of fabric electrodes into smart textiles.