Chapter 18 - Textiles

What is a 'physical property' of a material?

The characteristics of a material, such as its appearance and features, before it is used.

What is a 'working property' of a material?

The way in which a material responds to an external force or certain environment; also known as mechanical properties.

What is another term for a material's working properties?

Mechanical properties.

What does it mean if a material is 'naturally occurring'?

It comes from nature and is not made or altered by humans.

A material produced by humans, often using machinery, is described as ____________.

manufactured

What is the definition of a 'synthetic' material?

A material made through chemical processes.

Textiles can be broadly categorised into which two main types of fibres?

Natural fibres and synthetic fibres.

From what two natural sources do 'natural fibres' originate?

Plants or animals.

What resource are synthetic fibres usually derived from?

Fossil fuels.

What is created when natural and synthetic fibres are combined?

Mixed or blended fibres.

What is the primary purpose of creating mixed or blended fibres?

To improve the properties of the fabric by combining characteristics of different fibres.

From which part of the cotton plant are cotton fibres sourced?

The boll, a ball of fibres that grows on the plant.

List three working properties of cotton.

Soft, biodegradable, and breathable (or comfortable, strong, absorbent).

Name two common products made from cotton.

Bedding and t-shirts.

From which source is wool fibre obtained?

The fleece of sheep and other animals like alpacas.

What is a key working property of wool that makes it suitable for winter clothing?

It is insulating and warm.

List three products commonly made from wool.

Scarves, hats, and blankets.

Which natural fibre is known for being flexible and crease-resistant?

Wool.

From what is silk fibre made?

The cocoon of the silkworm.

What unique structural feature distinguishes silk from all other natural fibres?

It is the only natural fibre that has continuous filament fibres rather than shorter staple fibres.

Identify two physical properties of silk.

It is soft and shiny.

What is a significant disadvantage of silk fabric regarding its care?

It is difficult to wash.

Due to its properties and cost, what type of clothing is silk typically used for?

Luxury clothes, underwear, and bedding.

Synthetic fibres are mainly made from ____________ resources like coal and oil.

non-renewable

Unlike natural fibres, synthetic fibres do not ________ easily in the environment.

degrade

List three working properties of polyester.

Lightweight, durable, and resistant to shrinking/wrinkles.

Name three typical uses for polyester fabric.

Sportswear, carpets, and sleeping bags.

Which synthetic fibre is particularly known for being tear resistant?

Ripstop nylon.

What are two common applications for ripstop nylon?

Kites and tents.

Polyamide is the technical name for which common synthetic fibre?

Nylon.

Besides being hardwearing, what is a key property of polyamide (nylon) useful for outdoor gear?

It is water resistant.

What are the two defining physical properties of elastane?

It is smooth and stretchy.

What is a significant environmental drawback of elastane?

It is not biodegradable.

Due to its stretchiness, elastane is commonly used in which two types of clothing?

Sportswear and swimsuits.

What is polycotton a blend of?

Polyester fibres and cotton fibres.

What property does cotton contribute to a polycotton blend?

Breathability.

What property does polyester contribute to a polycotton blend?

Crease resistance.

What is a main advantage of polycotton over pure cotton in terms of cost and maintenance?

It is cheaper and easier to wash.

What is the basic construction method for woven fabrics?

A warp and weft yarn are interlocked on a loom at 90 degrees to each other.

Describe the construction of a plain weave fabric.

The threads are woven in a simple 'under one, over one' pattern.

What is a key characteristic of plain weave fabric when it is torn?

It rips in a straight line.

List two common uses for plain weave fabric.

Tablecloths and clothing.

How are non-woven fabrics constructed?

They are webs of fibres that are glued, compressed, or melted together.

Describe the appearance of bonded fabrics.

They have a random layout of visible fibres and can have small holes or a textured look.

What is a major advantage of bonded fabrics when cutting them?

They do not fray because they have no grain.

What is a significant weakness of bonded fabrics?

They lack strength.

Name two disposable items commonly made from bonded fabrics.

Disposable protective clothing and dishcloths.

How are felted fabrics formed?

Fibres, often wool, are matted together using moisture, heat, and pressure.

What happens to the elasticity of felted fabric once it has been formed and dried?

It has no elasticity once dry.

The ability to be shaped and lack of drape makes felted fabric suitable for what specific item?

Hat making.

How is a knitted textile constructed?

It is made from rows of interlocking loops of yarn.

What is a key property of knitted fabrics that makes them comfortable for clothing?

They are stretchy and warm.

What is a major disadvantage of knitted fabrics if they get a hole?

They tend to unravel easily.

What care consideration is important for knitted fabrics, especially those made of wool?

They can shrink at high washing temperatures.

A material that can be broken down in the environment by microorganisms is described as ____________.

biodegradable

A resource that is inexhaustible and can be replaced, like plants or animal fleece, is known as ____________.

renewable