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Modern, smart and combination fabrics
Modern and smart fabrics [smart fabrics: fabrics which respond to the needs of the wearer in different environments ] are designed to maximise characteristics such as lightness, breathability, waterproofing etc - or to react to heat or light. They are usually manufactured using microfibres.
Some key modern fabrics and their properties
| Fabric | Technology | Fabric properties | End-use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microfibre | Woven polyester |
|
|
| Polar fleece |
|
|
|
| Gore-Tex | Laminated membrane [laminated membrane: fabric made by laminating or fusing a polymer membrane to a face fabric ] |
| All-weather jackets and shoes |
| Micro-encapsulated | Different micro-capsules embedded in the fibre or fabric |
|
|
| Heat sensitive | Thermochromic [thermochromic: the ability to change colour in response to temperature. ] | Micro-encapsulated [micro-encapsulated: having micro-capsules embedded in the fibre or fabric to provide scent or anti-bacterial properties. ] dye can change colour in response to heat. Lasts for 5-10 washes |
|
| Light sensitive | Photochromic [photochromic: dyes which respond to changes in light. ] dyes | Smart pigments change colour in response to sun light | T-shirts; military clothing |
Combination fabrics
Fabrics can be layered and combined to improve their handle, appearance or performance. For example:
- An interfacing fabric such as Vilene can be stitched or laminated [laminated: two or more layers or sheets bonded together ] to other fabrics. This reinforces, stiffens and gives strength to collars and cuffs and prevents the fabric from stretching or sagging.
- A quilted fabric has two or more layers sewn together to give an attractive appearance and added warmth.
- Gore-Tex can be laminated to another fabric using adhesive [adhesive: a substance which bonds the surfaces of materials together ] or heat. Gore-Tex is used for all-weather clothing and shoes because it is breathable and waterproof.
Links
On bbc.co.uk
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