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What is the continuing evolution of the textile industry focused on?
Traditional textiles combined with new technology: The industry is merging traditional science with innovative technologies to create smart textiles, sportswear, and even applications in aerospace.
Emerging applications: Examples of smart textiles include fabrics that can change color, monitor health metrics, and adapt to environments.
Example: Smart clothing for athletes that tracks vital signs and movement.
What are natural fibers?
Derived from plants or animals: Natural fibers are sourced from natural materials and can be spun into threads, filaments, or ropes.
Examples:
Wool from sheep.
Cotton from cotton plants.
Silk from silkworms.
Properties: High absorbency, low strength, not very elastic, burns in high temperatures but does not melt.
What are synthetic fibers?
Man-made fibers: Created from chemicals or synthetic materials through the polymerization process, joining monomers to form polymers.
Examples:
Acrylic
Nylon
Polyester
Lycra, Spandex, Kevlar.
Properties: Very low absorbency, high tensile strength, high elasticity (stretchable), and will burn and melt when exposed to high temperatures.
What are the properties of natural fibers?
Absorbency: High absorbency, making them ideal for wearables and bedding.
Example: Cotton towels absorb water efficiently.
Strength: Low tensile strength compared to synthetics.
Elasticity: Not very elastic.
Effect of temperature: Burns but does not melt.
Example: Historically, Japanese firemen wore cotton or wool suits as they didn’t melt in the fire.
What are the properties of synthetic fibers?
Absorbency: Very low absorbency, which can make synthetic fibers less breathable.
Strength: High tensile strength, leading to durable products.
Elasticity: Highly elastic—very stretchable, often used for activewear.
Example: Lycra (spandex) used in sportswear or dance costumes.
Effect of temperature: Burns and melts—care is required when exposed to high temperatures.
Example: Nylon melt can be problematic in high heat conditions.
What are the main methods for converting yarn into fabric?
Weaving: Interlacing two sets of threads at right angles, creating fabrics like plain weave, twill weave, and satin weave.
Example: Denim is created using a twill weave.
Knitting: Loops of yarn interlocked to form fabric, stretchy and flexible.
Example: Knitted socks, t-shirts.
Lacemaking: Woven into intricate, decorative designs using yarn.
Example: Lace used in wedding dresses or curtains.
Felting: Matting fibers together to form a non-woven fabric.
Example: Wool felt used in craft projects.
What are some ethical issues surrounding the production of textiles?
Animal welfare: The strongest natural silk is often harvested from silk spiders, which is labor-intensive, or genetically engineered goats producing silk in milk.
Labor practices: Much of textile production occurs in developing countries under poor working conditions, with low wages and repetitive tasks.
Example: The fast fashion industry often involves exploitative labor practices.
Environmental concerns: Overuse of chemicals in textile dyeing and farming for cotton, affecting local ecosystems.
How is textile waste handled?
Recycling: Textile waste can be repurposed to reduce environmental impact, creating new products and lowering the demand for new fibers.
Example: Old cotton clothing can be recycled into new yarn or fabric.
Reused as resources: Waste textiles can also be converted into insulation, rags, and more.
Challenges: Sorting and processing textile waste for recycling can be costly and complex.
What are some common uses for wool?
Clothing: Wool is used in sweaters, jumpers, and suits because of its warmth and texture.
Upholstery: Wool is durable and often used for couches and chairs.
Industrial: Used in insulation (especially structural), oil clean-up pads, and mattresses.
What are common uses for cotton?
Clothing: Widely used for everyday wear such as t-shirts, underwear, and pants.
Bedding and furnishings: Sheets, pillows, blankets, and towels are commonly made from cotton.
Industrial applications: Tarpaulins, wall coverings, and sewing threads.
What are some uses of silk in design?
Clothing: Shirts, pyjamas, and underwear due to its smooth texture.
Medical applications: Historically used for stitches (suturing) due to its strength and biocompatibility.
Upholstery: Used for luxury fabrics like in upholstered furniture or bed linens.
What are common applications of nylon?
Clothing: Raincoats, stockings, and socks for durability and stretch.
Industrial use: Parachutes, ropes, tents, and even tyres for its strong tensile properties.
What are some uses of polyester?
Industrial: Polyester is used for products like seat belts, sails, ropes, and fishing nets due to its durability and weather resistance.
Clothing: Common in underwear, nightwear, and sportswear for its lightweight, durable quality.
Home furnishings: Used for curtains, rugs, upholstery, and carpets because of its low cost and durability
How is Lycra (spandex) used in design?
Sportswear: Lycra is commonly used in cycling, running, and gym clothes due to its stretchability.
Underwear: Used in activewear, bikinis, and shapewear for comfort and elasticity.
Fashion design: Lycra’s elasticity helps garments retain shape and allows for close-fitting designs.
What are smart textiles and where are they used?
Technology-integrated textiles: Fabrics that have embedded technology for interactivity, such as moisture-wicking, health monitoring, or color change.
Example: Smart sportswear that measures sweat and body temperature.
Applications in aerospace: Textiles used for protective wear and tools for astronauts in outer space.
Example: NASA-developed fabrics for space missions and specialized sportswear.
What is a typical application of textiles in aerospace?
Aerospace textiles: Lightweight, fire-resistant, or multifunctional textiles used in space exploration or aircraft.
Example: NASA uses specialized fabrics for spacesuits, space blankets, and materials that provide insulation.
Space missions: Textiles help provide astronauts with protection from extreme temperatures and hazards.
