Textiles - Natural and Manmade Fibres, Textile Treatments
Textiles - Natural and Manmade Fibres, Textile Treatments
Natural Fibres
- Natural fibres are obtained from plants and animals. Some of the common ones used in textiles include cotton, wool, silk and linen.
- Cotton is one of the most used fibres due to its breathability, softness and absorbency. It is ideal for everyday clothing and homeware products.
- Wool is known for its excellent insulation properties, keeping warmth in and cold air out. Its elasticity and resilience make it suitable for items like carpets and winter clothes.
- Silk comes from the silkworm’s cocoon and is highly prized for its smooth texture, lustre and drape. It is used in high-end garments, homewares, and accessories.
- Linen originates from the flax plant and is appreciated for its strength, absorbency and coolness to touch. It is used mainly for summer apparel and bedding.
Manmade Fibres
- Manmade fibres are synthetic materials produced using chemical processes. Examples are polyester, nylon, acrylic, and rayon.
- Polyester is highly popular due to its wrinkle resistance, durability, and ability to hold colour well. It’s often found in sports wear, outdoor clothing and various homewares.
- Nylon is known for its strength, elasticity and resistance to abrasion. Often used in making ropes, parachutes, nets, carpets, and clothing.
- Acrylic mimics the properties of wool, being lightweight, warm, and resistant to moths and sunlight. It’s usually found in winter garments like jumpers and blankets.
- Rayon is a semi-synthetic fibre produced from cellulose. It’s appreciated for its silk-like feel, high absorbency and drape. Rayon is often used in clothing, curtains and bed linens.
Textile Treatments
- Textile treatments can enhance the functionality, appearance, lifespan, and performance of both natural and manmade fibres.
- Dyeing is a common treatment that imparts colours to textiles. Different dyeing methods include batik, tie-dye, and screen printing.
- Finishing processes can be applied to give textiles a desired appearance or characteristic. For instance, bleaching and mercerising make cotton more lustrous, while starching provides stiffness.
- Flame Retarding treatment involves the use of chemicals to reduce textiles’ flammability, making them safer for use.
- Waterproofing and stain resistance treatment works by creating a barrier against liquid absorption and staining substances, thus prolonging the life and look of textiles.
Understanding these aspects of textiles can inform decisions related to their selection, appropriate treatment, and application in different scenarios within design and technology. Always consider a material’s characteristics, performance, and environmental impact.