2.3 - Major developments in technology

P2 - Design + making

synthetic fibre

a fibre made entirely from synthetic polymers based on petroleum chemicals

regenerated fibre

a fibre made entirely from natural cellulose that has been chemically modified

viscose rayon - development

• introduced 1905

• made of regenerated cellulose

• called artificial sick - first man made fibres

• used for clothing 1920s

• popular again in 1980s

• useful alternative to cotton

viscose - date released

• 1905

• used 1920s

• popular 1980s

viscose - characteristics and products

• absorbent, lightweight, breathable, soft

• an alternative to cotton

• used - dresses, shirts, t-shirts

high tenacity/wet-modulus rayon - development

• developed 1940s/50s

• to give improved fibre strength

• new generation lyocell = stronger, shrink less, reduced env. impact

nylon - development

• 1935

• first synthetic fibre

nylon - characteristics and products

• durable, strong

• lightweight

• easy to wash, soft

• used - tights

elastane - development

• 1950 in america - spandex or lycra

• revolutionised sportswear and underwear

elastane - characteristics and uses

• stretches, returns to original form

• lightweight and durable

• used - sportswear, underwear

microfibres - development

• 1960s in Japan

• ultra suede used - 1970s

• popular - 1990s

microfibres - characteristics and uses

• stain resistant

• washable

• durable

• uses - sportswear, underwear, car upholstery

aramid fibres - development

• early 1970s

• from polyamide

• e.g. Nome and kevlar

aramid fires - characteristics and uses

• lightweight, strong

• slash resistant

• in police and military uniform

modern fabric finishes

• can make a product more suitable for its end use

• chemical finishes

• thermoplastic fibres - used to heat set crease or shrink resistance

e textiles and smart materials

• developed for use in specialised situations

• space or extreme weather

• make life easier in everyday products

modern water repellant finishes - development

• use of fluorocarbons in preference to wax treatments

nano fibres - uses

• self cleaning textiles/sportswear

• specialised clothing for safety and protection

• intelligent textiles - include electronics

interactive textiles

• include a microchip and circuit - need power

• keep wearer warm

• operate safety lights

• incorporate mobile phones + tracking - e.g. O’Neill MP3 jacket

• monitor body functions - e.g. vivometrics life shirt

phase changing materials

• materials that can change state

• micro encapsulated in textiles, embedded or sued a s a coating

• can store heat and provide heat regulation

• e.g. ski boots

impact resistant textiles

• have shock absorbing properties

• used for protective sportswear - motorcyclists, snowboarders

• e.g. D30

robotic textiles

• many potential applications

• e.g. protective clothing for those in the military

• rescue services

• in construction in dangerous situations

• for rehab of seriously injured people