Notes from lecture

Textile use - functionality

In synthetic raw materials, function is frequently added or embedded at the polymer stage through microencapsulation(the process of enclosing chemical substances in microcapsules). These functions are more durable.

For natural raw materials it is added at the yarn or fabric production stage, print etc. are added at the finishing stage.

UV Protection:

- SPF factors and ratings can be incorporated in to fabric dyes, fibres and laundry detergents. Tighter weaves and heavier weigh

ts of fabric offer more protection.

Fire and Spark resistance:

- For emergency services, military and industrial clothing and nightwear for children, 

- Carpets and upholstery must also be protected.

- Aramid, glass, carbon and wool fibres have some natural resistance.

 

 Impact resistance:

-Military, active sports and upholstery textiles.

- Branded aramid fibres of Cordura and Kevlar lead the way.

-  Protective against ballistics.

Weatherproof treatments:

- 100% cotton and pure wool can be naturally water resistant depending on the fibre type and construction of the fabric.

- Breathable laminates such as Gore-Tex are lightweight and breathable.

- Essential for outdoors sports clothing and equipment.

 - Intelligent solutions and nano-technology play a part.

 - Very tight plain weave construction.

 

 

Moisture management:

 - Working closely with weatherproof and thermal regulation areas. Important for sportswear, underwear, socks and shoes, bed linen and sports equipment.

 - Keeping skin dry.

Temperature regulation:

 - Keeping warm and staying cool.

Buoyancy and inflatables:

 - Can save lives and protect the body against sudden impact.

Antistatic protection:

 - Static electricity can cause minor discomfort or serious fires or explosions.

 - By adding a metal content to a fabric, danger can be reduced.

Reflective textiles:

 - Providing safety through higher visibility at night.

Refractive textiles:

 - A biomimetic colour shift property originally found in a hog berry plant from South America.

-Multiple layers of cells interfere with light waves as in a soap bubble.

- Morpho butterfly wings are another similar biomimetic inspiration for fibres that show colour through photonics- light interfere.

Phosphorescence:

 - Fibres trap and store energy from light and emit it as a glow.

- Non-toxic and can be incorporated into most synthetic fibres. 

- Permalight uses zinc sulphide and is commercially available as a print inc.   

Fibre optics:

 - Plastic optical fibre carries pulses of light along its length, powered by a small battery. It is a flexible, transparent fibre made of high quality plastic, slightly thicker than a human hair.

Easy care:

 - Treatments that assist in keeping a garment clean and reduce the time spent.

Comfort and ease:

 - Comfort, fit, ease of movement and crease recovery are conveyed by stretch fibres.

Aromatic agents:

 - Smells have the power to drive emotions and spur memories.

 - Scented textiles release aroma when agitated or warmed.

 - Microencapsulation traps the scented particles in the fabric. 

Antibacterial protection:

 - Antibacterial fibres and finishes assist in protecting the health of the user.

 - Useful in textiles fro underwear, bedding, footwear, sports, medical and catering products.

Insect repellency:

 - Fabric treatments can assist it in reducing the harmful effects of insects such as dust mites, particularly in bedding.

Catalytic clothing:

 - Fibres and finishes can assist in reducing harmful effects of air pollution.

Health and cosmetic benefits:

 - Treatments assist moisturizing skin and delivering active health benefits.

Conductivity:

 - It is an essential element in interactive textiles.

Monitoring and health:

 - Medical monitoring through smart garments is possible.

 - The lifeshirt can relay and record vital signs data by sensors in garments.

Monitoring and sports:

 - Monitoring through smart garments is also used in sports.

 - Allows real time interaction through activity.