Textiles Theory 1.1

• What is a fibre?

  A fine hair-like thread that can be spun
• What is a synthetic fibre made from?

  Synthetic polymers based on oil
• How does the rarity of a fabric affect its price?

  The rarer the fabric, the more expensive
• What does sustainable design ensure?

  No negative impact on environment or humans
• What is a biodegradable substance?

  Decomposed naturally by living organisms
• What are fibres made of?

  Atoms joined to form long chains
• What are polymers?

  Long chains formed by linked molecules
• What elements are usually included in fibre molecules?

  Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
• What are the types of natural fibres?

  • Plant fibres: cotton, linen, ramie
  • Animal fibres: wool, silk, cashmere, mohair, angora
• What are alginate fibres used for?

  Medical applications
• What are the categories of manufactured fibres?

  1. Regenerated fibres (1st generation): viscose, acetate
  2. Lyocell fibres (2nd generation): lyocell, modal, Tencel
• What is polymerisation?

  Joining small molecules to form long chains
• What are examples of synthetic fibres?

  Nylon, polyester, acrylic
• What are smart materials?

  Materials reacting to external stimuli
• What are photochromic fibres used for?

  Sun protection by changing color
• What are the properties of microfibres?

  • Extremely fine
  • Lightweight
  • Soft
  • Drape well
• What is lustre in textiles?

  Glow of reflected light
• What is flammability in textiles?

  How fabric behaves when burning
• What are the industrial tests for flammability?

  1. Sample held in a frame, flame applied for 2 seconds
  2. Flame applied for 10 seconds, observe spread and afterglow
• What does the second industrial test for flammability measure?

  How far a flame spreads after removal
• What is the purpose of tensile testing?

  • To test breaking strength of fabric
  • Measures how much force fabric can withstand
• What is pilling in textiles?

  Friction causing balls of fibre to form
• What is the Martindale abrasion test?

  • Tests durability of fabrics
  • Samples are clamped and moved in a pattern
• How do you calculate percentage shrinkage of fabric?

  Percentage change = (original - final) / original
• What is a fibre?

  A fine hair-like thread that can be spun
• What is synthetic fibre made from?

  Synthetic polymers based on oil
• What does sustainable mean in materials design?

  Not negatively impacting the environment or humans
• What is a biodegradable substance?

  A substance decomposed by living organisms
• What are fibres made of?

  Atoms joined to form molecules
• What are polymers?

  Long chains of molecules formed by atoms
• What elements are usually included in fibres?

  Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
• What are natural fibres derived from?

  Natural sources like plants and animals
• What are examples of plant-based fibres?

  Cotton, linen, ramie
• What are examples of animal-based fibres?

  Wool, silk, cashmere
• What are regenerated fibres?

  Natural cellulose chemically treated to be spun
• What is viscose made from?

  Wood pulp or cotton waste
• What are the characteristics of lyocell fibres?

  Improved strength, softness, environmentally friendly
• What are synthetic fibres made from?

  Manmade fibres from synthetic polymers
• What are examples of synthetic fibres?

  Nylon, polyester, acrylic
• What is polymerisation?

  Joining small molecules to form long chains