Smart textiles through bio-inspired innovation

Biological systems have inspired human beings to understand and imitate them from time immemorial; the term “biomimetics” was coined by Otto Schmitt in the 1950s to describe “transfer of ideas and analogs from biology to technology.” Many of these applications and products are developed based on how similar problems are solved in nature. With the advent of manufactured fibers in the 20th century, the use of textiles has transformed from basic protection and shelter to highly technical applications. In many ways, textile structures are similar to natural systems; like biological structures, textiles are fibrous with a hierarchical structure. It is, therefore, important to examine the role of biomimicry in textiles and how nature can inspire the next generation of smart and functional textiles. This chapter covers functional textile surfaces and thermal insulation which are more mature examples of integration of biomimetics in textiles, as well as examines more recent interests in incorporating biomimetic moisture wicking, as well as actuation and shape-morphing in a new generation of textiles. We focus on how natural principles, ideas, and techniques, that have been used to enhance the inherent functionalities of textiles, result in intelligent or smart textiles.