Textile Innovations and Fabric Technologies

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering microfibre technology, bamboo fibers, bicomponent yarns, non-woven webs, fabric finishes, and modern textile CAD/CAM machinery.

Microfibres

Extremely fine synthetic fibres, usually made from polyester, nylon, acrylic or rayon, that are finer than a strand of silk.

Wedge-shaped spinneret

A component used in microfibre design to create ultra-fine fibres capable of ‘scooping’ up microscopic particles.

Capillary action

The effect created by the space between microfibre filaments and a nylon core that draws in liquids and traps contaminants.

Microfibres - Cleaning Cloth

Environmentally friendly, high absorbency, durability and reusability

Bamboo Kun

A natural antimicrobial agent found in bamboo that inhibits bacterial growth and helps reduce odours and skin irritation.

Mechanical processing (Bamboo)

A method of processing raw bamboo that allows the resulting fiber to remain biodegradable.

Properties of bamboo

Hypoallergenic, sustainable, breathable and moisture wicking

Bicomponent Yarns

Synthetic fibres made from two different polymers extruded together and spun as multifilament, often creating a crimp when heated.

Ways to produce biocomponent yarns

Sheath core, side-by-side, segmented pie

Sheath core

A production method for bicomponent yarns where one polymer completely surrounds another, used for bonding or strength.

Side-by-side

A production method for bicomponent yarns where two polymers are aligned next to each other to provide crimp or elasticity.

Segmented pie

A bicomponent yarn structure involving pie-shaped segments used for ultra fine splitting in high performance textiles.

End uses of biocomponent yarns

Wound dressings, sports, music

Washable Webs

Non-woven fabrics bonded together with heat or adhesives that are crease resistant, non-fraying, and durable.

How do washable web enhance performance

They are light and can be engineered to specific end uses, do not fray, and are durable and absorbent

Washable webs in the medical industry

Non-woven surgical gowns, single use masks

Reusable shopping bags

Made from washable webs and are designed to be used multiple times and withstand washing

Impact of finishing on society

Can provide benefits to consumers by offering them products with improved performance characteristics

Impact of finishing on manufacturers

Can enhance their product and gain a good reputation, leading to increased sales

Negatives of finishes

Contain chemicals, sometimes aspects of properties and performance will be affected

Delustering

A permanent finish where titanium dioxide powder is added to synthetic fibre solutions to reduce their shine or lustre.

Mercerising

A permanent finish where cotton is immersed in an alkali solution, causing fibres to swell and straighten to increase lustre, strength, and dyeability.

Napping

A permanent finish where fabric is passed over barbed rollers to raise fibre ends, resulting in a soft surface with better insulation.

Sanforising

A permanent finish that reduces the shrinkage of cotton fabrics to less than $1\%$ by stretching the damp fabric around heated rollers.

Superwash Wool

A permanent chemical treatment that applies a microscopic film of resin to wool fibres to eliminate felting shrinkage and allow machine washing.

Anti-Microbial Finish

A permanent treatment applied to textiles to control the growth of bacteria, fungi, and dust mites.

Water Repellent Finish

A temporary or renewable hydrophobic silicone finish that makes fabrics waterproof while retaining breathability.

Teflon

A finish providing durable protection against oil and water-based stains, dust, and dry soil without affecting the fabric's look or feel.

Teflon indoors

Makes it easier to keep upholstery, drapes, bedding and linens looking fresh and clean

Teflon outdoors

Provides continuous protection for awning and patio furniture cushions

Trevira CS

A permanent flame retardant finish where the properties are embedded into the fibre at a molecular level.

CAD (Computer-Aided Design)

The use of computer software to create, modify, and produce technical illustrations and production drawings with high precision.

Advantages of CAD

Enhanced design precision and creativity, speed, improved collaboration

Disadvantages of CAD

High initial costs, technical issues, impact on employment

Case study for CAD

Mary Katrantzou

CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)

The use of software and computer-controlled machinery to automate garment production processes like cutting and sewing.

Advantages of CAM

Fabric cutting machines, speed, consistent pattern making, quality control systems

Disadvantages of CAM

High initial costs, complexity and technical skills, job displacement

Gerber Cutting System

An automated fabric cutting solution designed to increase efficiency and reduce material waste.

SYMCAD 11

A body scanner using near-infrared structured light 3D technology to capture a full body scan in less than 15 seconds.

Seamless Technology

Advanced manufacturing techniques, such as circular knitting or bonding, that create garments without visible seams or stitches.

Key aspects of seamless technology

Knitting and weaving, laser cutting and bonding

Digital Image Transfer

A process where a digital image is transferred to a textile item using heat.

Direct Digital Printing (DDP)

A method using inkjet technology to apply high-resolution, full-colour designs directly onto fabric.

Advantages of DDP

High quality detail, speed, customisation, environmental

Disadvantages of DDP

Material limitations, durability, production speed, ink costs