Controlled Sweat Removal in Performance Wear Using Electrically Activated Textiles

This study focuses on advancing sweat management in clothing using low-current operating textile electroosmotic pumps, which could be beneficial for microenvironments with restricted ventilation, such as the one between the skin and protective wear. These systems, employing silver–copper fabric electrodes, a polycarbonate membrane with microchannels, and an adhesive web, enabled directed liquid transport. The critical role of the adhesive layer preparation is emphasized, often overlooked in previous research. Various adhesive perforations were tested for their impact on the flow under current action, both with and against gravity. Specific adhesive application techniques are proposed, found to significantly influence the flow rate and textile assembly cohesion. The custom setup yielded flow rates of up to 8.8 ± 0.08 mg min−1 cm−2, suitable for diverse human sweat rates. Optimization hinges on the delicate balance between binding and the active surface areas of the adhesive.