Study Unit 12: Mineral and inorganic fibres, METALLIC FIBRE

Question 1

Metallic fibres

Answer 1

Metallic fibres are manufactured fibres composed of metal, plastic-coated metal, metal- coated plastic, or a fibre core completely covered by metal.

Question 2

History

Answer 2

Metallic threads were used in ancient Persia and Assyria.

Question 3

The metals most often used and it’s significance

Answer 3

The metals most often used are gold, silver and aluminium. Owing to the high cost of gold and silver, aluminium has replaced them in western countries. Some very expensive fabrics from the Orient may still contain pure gold and silver threads.

Question 4

Modern aluminium yarns are produced in which colours?

Answer 4

Modern aluminium yarns are produced in a variety of colours or with gold or silver sheen.

Question 5

Care

Answer 5

A plastic coating prevents the metal from tarnishing or damage from salt water, chlorine and detergents.

Question 6

End Uses

Answer 6

Metallic yarns are not very strong, but as they are normally mixed with other yarns in evening gowns, shoes or handbags, this is not so important.
Stainless steel fibres are also sometimes used, mostly in carpets to reduce static electricity, but also in tyre belts, medical sutures and aerospace applications.