dt 1.3 technical textiles

Gore-Tex

-breathable and waterproof properties

-allows vapour to escape

-repels water

Uses of Gore-Tex

-outdoor clothing

Protective clothing

-chemical protection

-particulate filtration

-flame resistant

-cut resistant

-outer protection and high visibility

uses of protective clothing

-sports

-medical

-hazardous and industrial environments

Kelvar

-plastic fibre with high tensile strength

-flexible and lightweight synthetic fibre

-Kelvar fibres are so tightly spun it is impossible to separate them

-if a projectile hits Kelvar, the fibres catch it absorbing it and dissipating the energy

uses of Kelvar

-bullet proof vests

-vehicle components

-durability to sports equipment

Microfibres

-synthetic fibres

-less than one denier thick

-can be micro-encapsulated (process of adding a coating to tiny particle or droplets)

-particles improve properties of microfibres as they can hold anti-microbial agents.

uses of microfibres

-medicines

-moisturisers

Fire resistant fabrics

-withstand heat and burning

-Nomex (heat resistant fibres) are woven in fabric to make it protected against heat so it won’t melt or drip.

-lightweight and durable (used in racing driver apparel)

-when Nomex is exposed to heat, the fibres thicken and absorb heat energy.

Uses of fire resistant fabrics

-protective clothing for fire fighters

Conductive fabrics

-coated/blended with conductive metals

-E-textiles can also have batteries, small lights and electronics embedded into them

-fibre based solar cells woven into fabric to generate power from sunlight and motion.

Uses of conductive fibres

-thermal heating

-allowing an electrical signal to pass through them with very little resistance

-sportswear to monitor vital statistics