Textiles Theory

What is product innovation?

when the textiles technology meets consumer demands – technical fibres with advanced capabilities

What is process innovation

when the textiles technology lower costs, improve production rates and improve quality.

what is technical textiles

textiles that are concerned with function more than aesthetics

what are the two case study fibre innovations

Micro fibres + Bamboo

what are functional capability examples which technical textiles have?

the ability to self-clean, to conduct electrical currents etc.

what is sustainable textile innovations

fabric being more ecologically sustainable than existing fabric and having better performance qualities

what are microfibres

Fibres less than one denier thick

how are micro fibres made

THROUGH A SPINNERET

• created by modifying the spinneret shape and the size of the extrusion holes

what manufactured fibres can be used to created microfibres

Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic and Rayon in both staple and filament form

how do micro fibres enhance fabric performance and end-product use

The improved performance properties of microfibres is due to them being as fine as the most delicate silks.

·       Lightweight and excellent drape

·       Very soft and comfortable, with luxurious handle – are silken or suede to touch

·       Washable and dry cleanable / shrink resistant

·       High strength (except rayon)

·       Excellent heat setting ability – eg: permanent pleating

·       Can be woven tightly and insulate well against wind, rain and cold.

·       The ultra fine yarns pack tightly together – and can be used to create a waterproof and water-resistant fabric without the use of synthetic resin coatings – therefore – environmental advantages

what are microfibres end-uses

• Apparel – stockings, blouses, dresses, sportswear, high- performance clothing, scarves, menswear, intimate apparel, rainwear.
• Furnishings – curtains, upholstery, sheets, towels

why are microfibres good as cleaning cloths

·       Specialised environmentally friendly microfibre cleaning products can be used on multiple surfaces.

·       A wedge-shaped spinneret creates fibres which ‘scoop’ up soil particles)

·       Environmental advantages

·       Microfibre cleaning cloths eliminate the need for harmful cleaners, as they remove 98 – 99% of all dirt, bacteria and grime without chemical sprays.

·       The capillary action between the filaments and the nylon core creates a high absorbency, which enables the cloth to clean and polish at the same time.

who do microfibres impact

Consumers & society, Manufacturer, Employees and the enviroment

what are advantages of microfibres to consumers and society

• Light weight and resilient (don’t crease)

• Due to their fineness, microfibres provide the wearer with greater coverage and wind resistance.

• Easy to launder – dry quickly

what are disadvantages of microfibres to consumers and society

·       More expensive to purchase and may not be as absorbent or comfortable as natural fibres

·       Manufacturing of petrochemical fibres impact the environment.

• Microfibres can go into the waste water during laundering – microplastic into the ocean  

what are advantages that microfibres have to manufacturers

·       Higher quality control as fibres can be engineered to meet specific end-uses

·       Can combine microfibres with regenerated yarns and natural fibres for specific end-uses

• Manufacturer may also combine with a fabric finish to improve performance and enhance quality

what are disadvantages which microfibres have for manufacturers

·       Expensive to purchase and set up machinery

·       Employees need training in equipment

• Competes in the market with other fibres the manufacturer might also produce, such as fine silks and high quality cottons.

what are advantages which microfibres have for employees

• more jobs opportunities from new fibre technologies

• ned for highly skilled labour to operate machinery, which could lead to higher income

what are disadvantages which micro fibres have for employees

• workers may be replaced with machines or more highly skilled labour

• work hazards - noise pollutions, chemical pollutions

what are advantages which microfibres have on the environment

• not dependent on natural resources

• detergents and cleaning chemicals are not required in the manufacture or the finishing or microfibres

• microfibre cleaning cloths eliminate the need for harmfull cleaner

what are the disadvantages of microfibres to employees

• operation of machinery, uses energy, emits noise and air pollution

• carbon dioxide released into atmosphere contributes to the greenhouse effectm which contributes to global warming

• tiny microfibres with a plastic base end up in water systems as part of the laundering process

why has bamboo started to be created

·       Consumer demand in response to environmental concerns has seen the rise of Eco textiles.

·       The importance of sustainability to conserve and protect resources has led to the development of more sustainable textile innovations.

what is the classification of bamboo as a fibre and why

·       Bamboo is a Regenerated fibre because, just like Rayon from wood pulp, it requires a lot of chemical treatment to soften the fibres to make them suitable for clothing and other items.

how is bamboo created?

1: Mechanical processing -similar to producing linen
2: Chemical processing -similar to producing a regenerated cellulosic such as viscose rayon.
- Bamboo pulp is refined from bamboo fibres through a process of alkalisation and bleaching.
- Bamboo can also be blended with other fibres such as cotton, hemp, silk and manufactured fibres, such as polyester.

why is there controversy over bamboo

There is controversy in the marketing of some bamboo products – which may in fact be mainly viscose – which uses toxic chemicals to break it down.
For example a product might be advertised as bamboo, with no mention in the advertising of other fibres, when in fact it might be a blend of bamboo and viscose rayon

what are properties of bamboo

Natural antimicrobial and deodorizing properties

• Contains a unique antimicrobial agent called ‘bamboo kun’.
• Pure Bamboo fabric, is claimed to retain these qualities even after washing. These make it exceptional for use in intimate apparels, such as underwear, babies nappies and non-woven textile medical applications (medical masks, surgical clothes).
• Environmentally sound: Can grow with little pesticides and water
• The natural antimicrobial function of bamboo fibre minimises skin allergies associated with fibres which contain antimicrobial properties through chemical-finishing processes.
• Bamboo fibre also remains a competitive price-point in the textile marketplace.

what are the aesthetic properties

• Natural and soft lustre
• Gentle drape and silky soft.

what are the durability properties

• High abrasion resistance
• Fine and strong yarns.
• Resilient

what are the comfort properties

• Hydrophilic: High degree of absorbency – absorbs more water than conventional fibres, such as cotton.
• Outstanding wicking ability that enables it to pull moisture away from the skin often used for apparel, intimate apparel, bedding, towels and nappies.
• Thermo-regulating: Garments feel cool and comfortable in hot conditions and warm in cool conditions.

what are bamboos advantanges to consumers + society

·  Bamboo fibre is breathable, soft, hypoallergenic, and often marketed as antibacterial—appealing to health-conscious consumers.

·  Its sustainable image supports ethical consumerism and eco-friendly choices.

what are disadvantaged of bamboo to consumers + society

Some bamboo products may be marketed as "natural" despite involving heavy chemical processing (like viscose), which can mislead consumers.

what are advantages to manufacturers

·  Offers a competitive edge through innovation and sustainability branding.

·  Potential cost savings long-term if bamboo is locally sourced and production becomes more efficient.

what are disadvanates to manufacturers

·  Initial costs for new equipment or training.

·  Strict sustainability certifications or chemical processing regulations may increase overhead.

what are advantages to the enviroment

·  Bamboo grows quickly, requires no pesticides, and regenerates without replanting—making it highly renewable.

·  Less water-intensive than cotton.

what are disadvanatges to the enviroment

Some manufacturing processes (e.g., turning bamboo into viscose/rayon) involve harmful chemicals unless closed-loop systems are used.

what are advantages to employees

In eco-conscious companies, there may be better workplace practices, ethical sourcing, and investment in training.

what vare disadvantges to employees

In regions where chemical processing is unregulated, workers may be exposed to toxic substances if protective measures aren't in place.