Classification Of Materials

Question 1

Keyword: Polymer

Answer 1

A long chain of molecules made up of fibre-forming atoms that are linked together

Question 2

Keyword: Regenerated fibres

Answer 2

A fibre made from natural Cellulose that has been chemically modified

Question 3

Keyword: natural fibre

Answer 3

A fibre that comes from a natural Celulose (plant) or protein (animal) source

Question 5

Classifications: Natural fibres types

Answer 5

Natural plant / cellulosic fibres

Natural animal / protein fibres.

Question 6

Natural fibres: natural plant / cellulosic fibres examples

Answer 6

Cotton, linen, ramie

Question 7

Natural fibres: natural animal / protein fibres examples

Answer 7

Wool, silk, cashmere, mohair, Angora

Question 8

Classifications: Manufactured cellulosic regenerated fibres

Answer 8

Regenerated fibres

New generation lyocell fibres.

Question 9

Manufactured cellulosic regenerated fibres: Regenerated fibres and example

Answer 9

Manufactured from natural Cellulose that has been chemically modified.
Viscose (made from wood pulp), Acetate (made from cotton waste)

Question 10

Manufactured cellulosic regenerated fibres: New generation lyocell fibres and example

Answer 10

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 the chemicals needed to modify the Cellulose
Modal, lyocell (e.g. Tencel)

Question 12

Classifications: synthetic fibres

Answer 12

Synthetic fibres are made from synthetic polymers based on oil. They can be placed in groups owing to similarities in their chemical origins and methods of processing

Question 13

Synthetic fibres: types

Answer 13

Polyamides, 
Polyesters,
Polyacrylic,
Elastomeric fibres,
Chlorofibres and fluorofibres

Question 14

Synthetic fibres: polyamides examples

Answer 14

Polyamide (nylon), Tactel ( microfibres), Supplex
Aramid fibres, e.g. Kevlar, Nomex, Cordura, have been developed from polyamide fibres to have high performance technical properties

Question 15

Synthetic fibres: polyesters examples

Answer 15

Polyester, Trevira (microfibre), Polartec (polar fleece)

Question 16

Synthetic fibres: polyacrylic example

Answer 16

Acrylic

Question 17

Synthetic fibres: elastomeric fibres and examples

Answer 17

Made from synthetic polymers with the physical property of elasticity. Only small amounts are needed to give a lot of stretch. The fibres form the core of corespun yarns used to produce stretch yarn and woven stretch fabrics.
Elastane (e.g. Lycra, Spandex)

Question 18

Synthetic fibres: Chlorofibres and fluorofibres and examples

Answer 18

Man-made synthetic polymers, mostly used as coatings on textiles. Coating involves applying a layer of polymer to the surface of the fabric to make it stain resistant, water repellent and breathable
Chlorofibres: polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Fluorofibres: (PTFE) or brand name Teflon.

Question 19

Keyword: smart material

Answer 19

A material that is able to react to external stimuli or changes in its environment without human intervention

Question 20

Classifications: manufactured inorganic fibres and example

Answer 20

Inorgantic fibres: created from natural elements, which after processing at high temperatures are transformed into fibres
Glass, carbon, metallic, ceramic

Question 22

Keywords: modern material

Answer 22

A material that has been developed through the invention of new or improved processes

Question 23

Classifications: smart materials and example

Answer 23

Smart materials: materials that react to external stimuli / changes in the environment without human intervention. Once the stimuli / change is removed, the material reverts to its original form.

Question 24

smart materials: smart material examples

Answer 24

Reactive materials: respond to changes such as loss of heat or levels of air pollution.
Photochromic dyes: respond to changes in UV light
Phase-changing materials: e.g. Outlast, a smart fabric used in performance wear, which has the ability to absorb, store and release body heat to regulate a person’s microclimate

Question 25

Keyword: nano-fibre

Answer 25

An extremely lightweight strong fibre that is less than 1 micron in diameter

Question 27

Keyword: microfibre

Answer 27

An extremely fine synthetic fibre

Question 28

Keyword: microencapsulated fibre

Answer 28

A microfibre that has tiny capsules containing health or cosmetic chemicals embedded into its hollow centre

Question 29

Classifications: modern materials

Answer 29

Modern materials: new materials that have been developed through the innovation of new or improved processes modern materials are not ‘Smart materials ’ because they do not react to external stimuli / change. They are sometimes referred to as technical textiles

Question 30

Modern materials: modern materials examples

Answer 30

Microfibres: extremely fine fibres, e.g. Tactel (polyamide origin) and Trevira (polyester origin)
Microencapsulated fibres and fabrics: Micro capsules with beneficial or cosmetic chemicals are embedded in fabrics and are gradually released by rubbing.
Nano-fibres: significantly finer than microfibres. Recent developments include anti-stick / self-cleaning and UV protective properties.

Question 34

Keyword: Synthetic fibre

Answer 34

A fibre made entirely from synthetic polymers based on petrochemicals