Textiles

• What are the two categories of fibres?

  Natural polymers and manufactured polymers
• How are fibres transformed into fabrics?

  Fibres are twisted into yarns, then woven or knitted
• What do the characteristics of fabrics often reflect?

  The properties of the fibre used
• Where do natural fibres come from?

  Plants, animals, or insects
• What are the environmental benefits of natural fibres?

  They are easily renewable and biodegradable
• What are manufactured (or synthetic) fibres primarily made from?

  Non-renewable coal and oil
• What is the process called that joins monomers to create synthetic fibres?

  Polymerisation
• How do synthetic fibres compare to natural fibres in terms of degradation?

  Synthetic fibres do not degrade easily
• What flexibility do synthetic fibres offer in terms of production?

  They can be made into any length and thickness
• For what purposes can synthetic fibres be used?

  For any purpose
• What are the two sources of natural fibres?

  Plant and animal sources
• What are synthetic fibres made from?

  Oil-based chemicals
• Why are microfibres difficult to see with the naked eye?

  They are very, very fine
• What qualities do microfibres possess?

  Lightweight with good draping qualities
• What is tactel?

  A nylon-based fibre, not absorbent
• How much faster does TACTEL dry compared to cotton?

  Eight times faster
• How does TACTEL compare in softness and weight to most fabrics?

  At least twice as soft and 20% lighter
• What is tencel also known as?

  Lyocell
• What is a key characteristic of tencel?

  Highly absorbent and doesn’t crease
• What is tencel made from?

  Wood pulp, making it biodegradable
• What type of fabric is Lyocell commonly used as a substitute for?

  Cotton or silk
• What is the primary composition of Lyocell?

  Cellulose derived from wood
• Why is Lycra blended with other fibres?

  To give fabric stretch due to elasticity
• What is a mixed or blended fibre?

  Fabrics containing more than one fibre
• How is blending achieved in textiles?

  By spinning two or more fibres together
• What is wool blended with in socks and jackets?

  Nylon
• What benefits does wool provide when blended with nylon?

  Warmth, strength, and abrasion resistance
• Why are fibres blended in textiles?

  • To reduce the cost of the fabric
  • To make the fabric stronger
  • To make a fabric easier to care for
  • To enable fabrics to be more crease-resistant
  • To allow fabrics to be heat-set
• What is a popular blend used for shirts and bed sheets?

  Polyester/cotton
• What are natural fibres derived from?

  Plants or animals
• How do synthetic fibres differ from natural fibres?

  Synthetic fibres are man-made from petrochemicals
• What is a characteristic of microfibres?

  They are lightweight and have good drape
• What is the benefit of blending fibres?

  Combines comfort with strength and durability
• Where do cotton fibres come from?

  Seed of a bushy plant
• What are the properties of cotton?

  Strong, absorbent, and can be washed at high temperatures
• What are common uses of cotton?

  • T-shirts
  • Socks and underwear
  • Denim jeans
  • Bed sheets
  • Fishing nets
  • Medical dressings
  • Nappies
• What is a disadvantage of cotton?

  It creases easily
• What is wool primarily sourced from?

  Sheep
• What are the properties of wool?

  Soft, warm, and water-repellent
• What are common uses of wool?

  • Jumpers
  • Coats
  • Socks
  • Blankets
  • Carpet
  • Tennis balls
  • Pool tables
  • Mattresses