Textiles Exam 4 (9+20) - Ciotti

What is an elastomer?

A natural or synthetic polymer that, at room temperature, can be stretched repeatedly to at least twice its original length and that, after removal of the tensile load, will immediately and forcibly return to approximately its original length.

What is a power stretch?

important in end uses for which holding power and elasticity are needed

What is comfort stretch?

important in products for which only elasticity is desired

What is rubber?

Rubber is available in both natural (from the rubber tree) and manufactured forms. It has excellent elongation and recovery, but low tenacity. Due to its properties, it can’t be used in lightweight garments and has low dye acceptance. Created in 1905, it’s often used in foundation garments and made with sulfur for improved properties.

What are Lycra's tradenames?

lycra + glospan

What is spandex?

Spandex (Elastane) was developed in 1959 by DuPont. It has a flex life 10 times that of rubber and is more durable. It resists aging, body oils, perspiration, and cosmetics better than rubber. Though uncomfortable next to skin (core yarn), it’s abrasion-resistant and takes dye well. Used in apparel and interiors, it can be wet or dry spun. The company name for its branded version is Evista.

What are the uses of spandex?

Foundation garments, active sportswear (skiwear, swimwear, leotards, dancewear, leggings, biking shorts), hosiery, medical (support hose, bandages, surgical wraps)

What is aramid?

Aramid is made from aromatic polyamide and fiber-forming substances. It is fire-resistant, exceptionally strong, and used in reinforcing radial tires and body armor undervests. It’s another variant of nylon.

What is Nomex?

Nomex is a high-performance aramid fiber known for exceptional fire resistance. It’s used in firefighter gear, race car driver suits, aircraft furnishings, and heat-resistant items like ironing board covers.

What are some properties of Aramid?

Aramid fibers are flame-resistant, chemically resistant, and have excellent abrasion resistance. They are moderately resistant to sunlight, difficult to dye, oleophilic (attract oils), and prone to static buildup. Stiffer than glass, they can be wet or dry spun.

How do you care for aramid?

Aramid can be washed, but it has poor resistance to acids.

What is glass?

Glass fibers are non-flammable, chemically resistant, and excellent insulators. Though very heavy and undyeable due to zero absorption, they don’t degrade in sunlight. Made from sand, silica, limestone, and additives, they can cause skin irritation upon contact.

What are some uses for glass?

Flame retardant curtains, Wall insulation, Industrial application, Fire protection, Insulation, Air purification

What are some fiber trade names for glass?

fiberglass, beta glass, chemglass, vitron

What are metal fibers?

Metal fibers, such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and silver (e.g., X-Static), are used in technical textiles. Stainless steel can’t be dyed and is often blended to reduce static in carpets and cleanroom garments. These fibers are heavy and commonly blended with others. First used in aerospace garments in the 1960s.

What is PBI?

This fiber has properties similar to aramid and is used in the same high-performance applications, including aerospace, firefighting, and medical interiors. Unlike aramid, it has high moisture regain but remains difficult to dye. It’s processed by dry spinning and drawing and is used in environments like hospitals, filters, and space gear.

What is Sulfar?

This material is used in filtration fabrics, firefighter uniforms, and electrolysis membranes, helping to maintain a clean environment. “Serane,” introduced in 1933 as a food covering, is part of this category and competes with olefin in certain applications.

What is Vinyon?

PVC (polyvinyl chloride), also known as vinyl or vinyon in film form, is heat-sensitive and commonly used as a bonding agent in items like papers, rugs, and nonwovens. It has low moisture absorption and is found in products such as wigs, flame-retardant Christmas trees, fishing lines, nets, and protective clothing. It should not be pressed or ironed due to its heat sensitivity.

What is PVC?

PVC is one of the most environmentally harmful materials, linked to persistent organic pollutants and endocrine disruptors. Its production and use release hazardous chemicals into the environment. Unlike other major plastics, PVC contains chlorine and requires toxic additives. Given its impacts, phasing out PVC is strongly recommended.

What are the environmental impacts of PVC?

PVC production and disposal lead to significant environmental hazards, including the release of toxic substances and persistent organic pollutants. Its lifecycle contributes to global contamination with harmful chemicals, necessitating a phase-out for safer alternatives.

Olefin vs. PVC

Olefin plastics (like polyethylene) are chlorine-free and don’t require plasticizers, making them safer and more environmentally friendly. They can be either rigid or flexible without additives. When incinerated without toxic additives, they produce only water and carbon dioxide. Olefins have a high energy content (similar to oil) and pose fewer challenges during recycling.

What is soil?

a substance not intended to be on a textile

What is mechanically hub soil?

gum, mud, wax, removed by scraping

What is electro static soil?

lint and dust

what is organic soil?

needs to be removed with chemicals, oil or grease

What is a surfactant?

removal agents and compounds soluble in hard water

What is a builder?

softens the water

What is soap?

long chain f fatty acids that react to hard water

What is bleach?

oxidizing agent powder or liquid that breaks up compounds

What is fabric softener?

substance added to laundry to make it feel softer and reduce static cling.

What is water softener?

used especially with hard water communities

What is lifecycle analysis?

based on the choice consumers make based on consumer cleaning

What are dry cleaning solvents?

affects air and water quality

What is an elastomer?

rubber

Can glass be stable under sunlight exposure?

yes

What is a fiber that has high thermal insulation used for wall insulation?

glass

Olefin: stretch elastic recovery properties, elastic olefin with superior stretch, what is its name?

lastol

T or F: PVC may cause cancer.

True

T or F: Metal can be dyed.

True

T or F: PVS is only major plastic containing chlorine.

False

T or F: Fake fur is often made of modacrylic.

True

T or F: The recommended care for glass is machine wash and tumble dry.

False

T or F: PVC was originally made to replace rubber.

True

T or F: High performance fibers are made based on end use requirements.

True

What is melamine?

low cost competitor for PBI

What fiber is exceptionally strong and known for bullet proof vests?

aramid

What is also known as elastane and is white in color?

spandex

What does not burn and is made from sand, silicone, and limestone.

glass

What is the tradename for aramid?

kevlar

Which fabric is very difficult to dye?

aramid

T or F: Metal fibers cannot be made in staple or filament.

False

What are the types of elastomers?

spandex, rubbers, natural or natural and synthetic.

What is the most enviornmnetally hazardous fiber?

PVC

T or F: Modacrylics are more durable than acrylic.

True