1.1 Materials and their applications

Tensile strength

Ability to resist breaking under tension

Abrasion resistance

Ability to resist surface wear caused by running contact with another material

Elasticity

Ability to be deformed and then return to its original state

Absorbency

Ability to absorb and retain liquid

Easy-care

Ability to maintain optimum appearance with minimum effort

Colour fastness

Ability to retain dye

Electrostatic charge

Ability for static electricity to develop in the fibres in dry conditions

Thermal insulation

Ability to trap air, preventing the transfer of heat

Corrosive solvent resistance

Ability to withstand attack and decay from substances such as chlorine bleach

Microorganism and insect resistance

Ability to withstand attach and decay from organisms such as bacteria or moths

Flammability

Ability to burn or ignite

Thermoplasticity

Ability to become pliable and mouldable when heated and the textures to be retained when set

Formability

Ability to manipulate and deform fabric without damaging them

Handle

Evaluates how the fabric behaves, performs or feels when touched

Drape

Term used to describe the way the fabric hangs under its own weight

Lustre

Materials ability to reflect light so it’s appears glossy

Natural fibres

A fibre that comes from a cellulose or protein source

For example: Cotton (cellulose) Wool (Protein) Cashmere (Protein hair)

Regenerated fibres

Manufactured from natural cellulose that has been chemically modified

For example: Viscose (made from wood pulp)

New generation lyocell fibres

More environmentally friendly as the cellulose is harvested from sustainably grown trees and some of the fibres are produced using a closed-loop system that reuses chemicals needed to modify cellulose

For example: Modal, lyocell

Synthetic fibres

Made from synthetic polymers based on oil. They can be placed into groups owning to their similarities in their chemical origins and methods of process

For Example: Polyamide (polyamides), Aramid fibres- Kevlar,Nomex (polyamides), Polyester (polyester), Acrylic (Polyacrylics)

Elastomeric fibres

Made from synthetic polymers with the physical property of elasticity. Only small amounts are needed to give it a lot of stretch. The fibres from the core of core spun yarns used to produce stretch yarns and woven stretch fabrics.

For Example: Elastane (Lycra, Spandex)

Chlorofibres and fluorofibres

Man,add synthetic polymers, mostly used as coatings on textiles. Costing involves applying a layer of polymer to the surface of a fabric to make it stain resistant, water repellent and breathable

For example: Polyvinyl chloride (Chlorofibre), PTFE brand name Teflon (Fluorofibre)

Inorganic fibres

Created from natural elements, which after processing at high temperatures are transformed into fibres

For example: Glass, carbon, metallic, ceramic

Smart materials

Reactive materials

Photochromic dyes

Phase-changing materials

Materials that react to external stimuli in the environment without human intervention. Once the stimuli is removed the materials reverts to its original form.

Reactive materials: Respond to changes such as heat or air pollution levels

Photochromic dyes: respond to changes in UV light

Phase-changing materials: Used in performance wear which has the ability to absorb, store and release body heat and regulates a persons microclimate

Modern materials

Microfibres

Micro-encapsulated fibres

Nano-fibres

New materials that have been developed through the invention of new or improves processes

Microfibres: extremely fine fibres e.g Tactel

Micro encapsulation : beneficial or cosmetic chemicals are embedded in fabric and gradually release due to rubbing

Nano-fibres: significantly finer microfibres

Testing for flammability