Textile materials with a pH‐sensitive function

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop textile materials with a pH‐sensitive function. Design/methodology/approach As a start point, the feasibility of incorporating pH‐indicators in conventional textiles using standard dyeing processes was investigated. Next, a pH‐indicator was incorporated into a nylon nanofibrous structure by adding the dye to the polymer solution before the start of the electro‐spinning process. Findings The authors' results proved that it is possible to develop a pH‐sensor using conventional textiles dyed by a standard dyeing process. Also, the incorporation of a pH‐indicator dye into a nanofibrous structure was possible. Moreover, reproducible samples could be obtained. Furthermore, the majority of the obtained textile structures showed a clear colour change with a change in acidity. This halochromic behaviour was, however, different from the behaviour of the dyes in solution due to dye‐fibre interactions. Originality/value The knowledge obtained in this study can lead to the development of a textile pH‐sensor. This sensor can be used in a broad field of applications since a colour change is a non‐disturbing but clear signal which can perform a first warning function.