Featured Article
How Modern Fabrics Simplify Life
Modern fabrics are developed through the invention of new or improved processes. Fabrics are modified to perform a particular function. Although most developed fabrics become available for general use - such as acrylic, muslin,
percale, seersucker, ticking, and twill - there are some that are considered exclusively developed for specialized applications, most of which are synthetic fibers which are made entirely from chemicals. Synthetic fibers, usually stronger
than either natural or regenerated fibers, include nylon netting, spandex, fake fur, nylon (polyamide), polyester, mylar, acrylic, olefin, and lycra and a variety of stretch fabrics.
Modern fabrics may not be necessarily ‘newly-developed'. Traditional fibers have been modified. They appear as modern because they are serving new functions. Natural Fibers are called ‘The New Fashion In Automotive Plastics' because of their lightweight, strong, and low-cost qualities. In fact, natural fibers are poised to replace glass and mineral fillers in numerous interior parts.
For centuries, plant-derived natural fibers of kenaf, hemp, flax, jute, and sisal have been smoked and made into baskets, clothing, sacks, ropes, and rugs. Now, they are making their way into components of cars. Also being explored are leaf fibers from sisal as well as abaca and banana leaves. The leaves are
stripped of their pulp mass, leaving thousands of monofilaments that are dried and baled for processing. What proves to be of more convenience is the ability of natural fibers to provide stiffness enhancement and sound damping at lower cost and density than glass fibers and mineral fillers. It also helps that natural fibers are regarded as "green" or eco-friendly.
Meanwhile, the ‘really' modern fabrics are termed 'smart fabrics'. They are special, and called ‘smart' because they sense conditions in their environment and respond to those conditions. Modern fabrics contain special materials developed to respond to differences in temperature or light and change in some way. Smart materials appear to ‘think' and possess some 'sensitivity' as they adhere to the conditions of the user and the environment. Many modern fabrics are smart in that they respond to heat and light.
Most modern fabrics, commonly used in outdoor clothing are lightweight, waterproof, and windproof. They have the ability to breathe which simply means that they allow the bodies' moisture to pass through the fabric. Hydrophobic synthetic fabrics, such as polypropylene, move moisture away from the body to help keep the body dry. Even if one gets wet, wool or synthetic pile/fleece fabrics will keep one warm because they don't absorb water.
The industry has made significant advances since the days of polypropylene. Initially wicking fabrics were used to make underwear and liners, but as the technology improved, more synthetic fabrics were used to make many other items of clothing, and they are now widely available. Such fabrics are sold under many trade names, like Dri-FIT and CoolMax, which are 100% polyester; there are also treated fabrics (3M quick dry), whose wicking properties diminish with repeated washings.
Some modern fabrics have reflective textiles properties which makes the wearer visible in the dark. Automotive textiles are traditionally used in the rescue services, these textiles have now been adopted by sportswear and fashion companies and commonly used in emergency services uniforms, sports clothing
and accessories and club wear. Minute glass balls are embedded in the fabric of yarn and reflect lights. This creates a brilliant reflection in a vehicles headlight, which alerts the driver to pedestrians or cyclists.
Smart fabrics also called techno-textiles, have been used in functional sportswear, medical and safetywear and fashion clothing. They are not simple fabrics but the way they function actually makes life comfortable and easy.
The popularity of sports, fitness activities, and sportswear has contributed to the demand for modern fabrics that are comfortable, versatile, and easy-care. Other smart textiles include sanitized fabrics for sportswear and socks which have anti-microbial protection.
Smart fabrics have been developed which can create a sense of well being - they have anti-stress or calm-inducing properties. Some textile manufacturers have already developed a range of well-being tights micro encapsulated with fragrant oils, moisturizers or vitamins. Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal fabrics have been used in clothing, linens, towels and carpets. Many synthetic fibers now have moisture management properties.
And there are a number of medical uses as well. Fabrics can be encapsulated with substances required by the body or antiseptics. Allergy control fabrics can be used in bedding for people with breathing problems caused by dust mites.
The military is also taking advantage of the latest developments in clothing and fabric technology. The troops are provided with apparels that offer better levels of protection from the elements of the enemies and the weather - combined with
comfort and freedom of movement. Combat uniform demonstrate the benefits of new light-weight, quick drying fabrics. Modern materials, such as the Kevlar-nylon mix used in helmets give better levels of protection, but without a penalty in weight.
Meanwhile, lightweight durable modern fabrics are also vital in satellite engineering and space hardware specifically in NASA's solid rocket motor applications, specifically for ablative insulation and structural overwrap reinforcement.
Modern fabrics were also developed to address the need for versatility. The uses of fabrics are no longer limited to clothes and furnishings - including towels and table cloths. Modern fabrics have been developed for use in cleaning; bags
and other means of carrying objects; balloons, kites, sails, parachutes and other transport use; and industrial and scientific uses, including filtering, among many others.
Copyright © 2005 i Discount Clothes. All rights reserved. |