Textiles Flashcards
What are the two main types of textiles?
Natural fibres
Synthetic fibres
Examples of natural polymers
Wool
Cotton
Linen
Cotton properties
Breathable
Low elasticity
Creases
Absorbent (can hold 27 times its weight in water)
No static cling
Non allergenic
Cotton uses
Clothing (as breathable)
Bedding
Towels
Linen properties
Absorbent (can hold 20 times its weight in water)
Breathable
Light weight
Durable
Linen uses
Bedding
Clothes such as suits dresses shorts and shirts
Tableware

Wool properties
Good thermal insulator
Highly breathable
Good resistance to creasing
Good absorption
good flame resistant
low durability
Wool uses
Homeware (rugs carpet etc)
Clothing
Active wear
What is a natural fibre?
Either plant-based such as cotton and linen or animal fibre such as wool. Natural fibres can be recycled, why degrade and naturally re-occur
What is a man-made fibre?
Do you not occur naturally, or synthetic and have been developed in a laboratory situation. They are made from polymers
Examples of man-made fibres
Nylon
polypropylene
polyester
Nylon properties
Does not absorb water
tear resistant
Does not crease
not breathable
creates static electricity
durable
good elasticity
Nylon uses
Clothing
carpets
Sails
parachute canopies
Poly propylene properties
Does not absorb moisture
highly durable
very lightweight
not very breathable
Poly propylene uses
Sporting and active wear
Fleece style garments
thermals
ropes
carpet
Polyester properties
Good elasticity
does not crease
durable
Poor moisture absorption
Resistant to pollutants, mould and UV
Can be blended with other fibres to enhance properties
Crease resistance and shape attention
Polyester uses
Outer wear like jackets trousers
shirts
children’s clothing
bedding (if blended with cotton)
Upholstery
curtains
What are the examples of textile treatments
Flame resistance and stain resistance
What is flame resistance
Textiles can be treated by coating with a fire retardant, stiffening the textile. This can be used on products like sofas and chairs.
Alternatively they could be dipped in chemicals, the fire was absorbed the chemical solution which creates a barrier between the fibre and the flame.
The chemicals in fire retardant activated by heat which triggers a chemical reaction which automatically extinguish the flame before fire damage can occur.
What is stain resistant
Treating a textile with PTFE makes them more resilient to liquid spills, soiling and grass stains.
When they are coated with PTFE very than later is created which prevents liquids and dirt from penetrating the textile fibres. This makes it easier to wipe clean
Why is nylon suited for boat sails
Tear resistant (limits ripping from wind)
Low absorption so repels water
Not very breathable so will hold wind
