Technical Textiles

Question 1

Nylon

Answer 1

A synthetic material that can be pulled into very thin strands when heated, and spun like natural textiles. Extensively used for fabric in clothing.

Question 2

Conductive Fabrics

Answer 2

Fabrics that allow a small electrical current to safely pass through them. Used for touch screen gloves or dissipating static charge.

Question 3

Fire-retardant Fabrics

Answer 3

Textiles that are more resistant to fire than others, due to either a chemical coating or manufactured fireproof fibres. They are used in furniture and furnishings where fire safety is a necessary consideration.

Question 4

Kevlar

Answer 4

A fabric that has great impact resistance thanks to it’s tightly woven structure. It is used for things such as racing tyres and sails as well as body armour.

Question 5

Microfibres

Answer 5

Fibres that are much thinner than human hair that can be coiled to provide a warm or absorbent material that can be used for winter clothes or cleaning cloths.

Question 6

Microencapsulation

Answer 6

a process of encapsulating liquids or solids inside tiny thin-walled bubbles. When rubbed, the thin membranes of the bubbles are ruptured, which can be used in situations such as deodorants built into sports clothing to mask body odours.

Question 7

Cotton

Answer 7

A natural fibre that grows as a ball on a cotton plant. The fibres are collected and then spun together. Cotton takes dye well, and is strong, soft and absorbent, making it ideal for clothing.

Question 8

Wool

Answer 8

A natural fibre that is spun from the fleeces of animals such as sheep or alpacas. The fibres of wool can be made soft or coarse, fine or thick, and can take dyes well, making it ideal for use as clothes or carpets.

Question 9

Silk

Answer 9

A natural fibre that is made from the cocoon of the silkworm. Silk is soft and shiny, drapes well, and is expensive, meaning that it is used for luxury clothing and bedding.

Question 10

Polyester

Answer 10

A synthetic fibre that can be woven or knitted, and can be made as thick or thin fibres in a variety of colours. It is strong and versatile, holds colours well, and can be washed easily.

Question 11

Polyamide (Nylon)

Answer 11

A synthetic fibre that can be woven into many different forms and can be blended with other fibres. Nylon is shiny, water resistant and hard wearing, and is used for products such as parachutes and clothing.

Question 12

Elastane

Answer 12

A synthetic fibre that is smooth and stretchy. It is hard wearing and quick drying, making it ideal for use as sportswear.

Question 13

Blended Fibres

Answer 13

Mixes of fibres that combine properties. Examples include polycotton, comprising of polyester and cotton which is easy to wash, and cheaper than pure cotton.

Question 14

Woven Fibres

Answer 14

A warp and weft yarn on a loom used to interlock different fibres. Examples include the plain weave, where threads are woven in a simple under on, over one pattern. This is a simple, cheap and strong method of weaving fibres.

Question 15

Non-woven Fibres

Answer 15

Webs of fibres that are glued, compressed or melted together. Examples include bonded fabrics, where the fibres are visible and random, and there are often small holes on the surface. The lack of a grain means that this does not fray, but it isn’t very strong.

Felted fabrics are randomly matted fibres, often those of wool, that can be in a variety of different thicknesses and colours. It is formed using heat, pressure and moisture, and can be easily shaped thanks to the lack of elasticity.

Question 16

Knitted Fibres

Answer 16

Rows of interlocking loops that can be made out of a variety of different fibres, but mostly associated with wool. It is available in a variety of different colours, and can have patterns knitted in. Knitted fibres are warm, stretchy and strong, making them ideal for clothing.