The degree of pollution in the environment increases because of the vehicular emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gases. To minimize the exposure levels, it is necessary for individuals to be able to determine for themselves the pollution levels of the environments they are in so that they can take the necessary precautions. Textile-based gas sensors are an emerging solution and this paper furthers the concept by investigating a novel method for encapsulating gas sensors in textiles. While encapsulation is required to improve the durability and lifetime of the sensors, it essential for their operation that the encapsulants do not reduce the sensitivity of the gas sensor. This paper investigates the selectivity of two different flexible and breathable thermoplastic encapsulants (Platilon®U and Zitex G-104) for sensing carbon monoxide by observing the sensor response with and without the encapsulants. Results show that while the encapsulants both enable the sensor to still function, Platilon®U reduces the sensor sensitivity, whereas Zitex G-104 has very little effect.
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