major developments in technology: the development of fabric finishes, E - textiles and smart materials

What have modern fabric finishes allowed material to become

More sutibale for its end use

What do modern finishes include

Chemical finishes and thermoplastic finishes to give shrink and crease resistant properties

What were smart materials and E textiles developed for

use in specialist situations such as space or extreme weather conditions

modern water repellent finishes

Based on use of fluorocarbon instead of wax treatments - can be machine washed without risk of shrinking

Nano fibres

Used in self cleaning and sportswear and for protection in extreme situations
Intelligent textiles can include electronic devices

Interactive materials

Include a microchip and circuit which are used in garments that need to
Keep user warm
Operate lights
Incorporate tracking devices
Monitor body functions - e.g. VivoMetrics life shirt

Phase changing chemicals

Materials that change state to solid to liquid
Micro encapsulated textiles or embedded in materials to store heat and provide heat regulation

Impact resistant chemicals

D30 has shock absorbing qualities used in motorcycling garments

Robotic textiles

New area of development with many potential applications such as rehabilitation, protective clothing and rescue services