1.2 Part 4

• What are smart materials?

  Materials that react to their environment
• Why are non-woven fabrics cheaper to make?

  They have one less manufacturing process
• In what direction can non-woven fabrics be cut?


  In any direction
• What is a key advantage of non-woven fabrics?

  They are used for many disposable products
• What do smart materials do?

  They sense and react to conditions
• How do smart materials benefit health and safety applications?

  They can monitor body functions and administer medicines
• What is an example of a smart material that provides buoyancy?

  Bodysuits for medical physiotherapy
• How do reflective textiles enhance safety?

  They include glass beads to reflect light
• What do phosphorescent materials do?

  They glow in the dark
• Where are phosphorescent textiles commonly used?

  In high visibility safety clothing
• What is a use of micro-encapsulated fibres?

  To release health and cosmetic chemicals
• Why are ceramic and carbon fibres important in nano-fibre production?

  They are lightweight and very strong
• What is the function of ceramic molecules in synthetic fibres?

  To provide UV protection properties
• How does Tactel® Aquator function?

  It wicks moisture away from the body
• What is the main advantage of Lyocell® over standard viscose?

  It is more sustainable due to managed forests
• What is a characteristic of Modal® compared to viscose?

  Modal® fibres are stronger due to stretching
• What is Polar fleece made from?

  Recycled plastic bottles
• Why do fabrics made with plain weave tend to be strong?

  They have the maximum number of interlacing points
• What is a major cause of fabric spoilage?

  Pilling
• How does elasticity differ between knitted and woven fabrics?

  Knitted fabrics have more elasticity
• What happens to fabrics that support combustion?

  They are highly flammable
• What is the effect of trapped air in fabrics?

  It makes them less flammable
• What are the performance characteristics of fabrics in relation to end use?

  • Strength: Plain weave is strong; satin is weak.
  • Durability: Appearance spoilage affects longevity.
  • Elasticity: Knitted fabrics are more elastic.
  • Flammability: Fabrics that support combustion are flammable.
• What are the key points about smart materials?

  • React to environmental changes
  • Used in health and safety applications
  • Include reflective textiles and carbon fibres
• What are some examples of technical textiles?

  • Gore-Tex®
  • Kevlar® and Nomex®
  • Phosphorescent textiles
  • Reflective textiles
  • Fabrics that wick moisture
• What are some commercial names of fibres and fabrics?

  • Tactel®
  • Lyocell®
  • Modal®
  • LYCRA®
  • Polar fleece
• What can spoil the appearance of art fabrics?

  Some structures are more easily spoiled.
• Why do pile weaves break down quickly?

  They are subjected to friction easily.
• What happens to knitted fabrics made with wet knit?

  They can snag and develop ladders.
• What is pilling in fabrics?


  Pilling causes fabrics to look shabby and discolored.
• How can brushing affect fabric structure?

  Brushing can weaken the fabric's basic structure.
• Which type of fabric has more elasticity?

  Knitted fabrics have more elasticity.
• What contributes to the elasticity of knitted fabrics?

  The yarns can move and stretch easily.
• What makes a fabric highly flammable?

  Fabrics that support combustion are highly flammable.
• How does trapped air affect fabric flammability?

  It makes the fabric less flammable.
• What is an example of a non-flammable fabric?

  Polar fleece is non-flammable.
• What do thermal qualities of a fabric refer to?

  Its ability to keep a person warm or cool.
• What factors affect a fabric's thermal qualities?

  Density, yarn, and fabric structures trap air.
• What is the role of absorbent fibers like cotton and wool?

  They make fabrics that can absorb moisture.
• How can synthetic fibers be made absorbent?

  By loosely structuring the yarns or texturing the fabric.