Fibres

Question 1

Where do synthetic fibres come from?

Answer 1

They are manufactured using plant materials and minerals: acrylic,nylon and polyester come from oil and coal.

Question 2

Where do natural fibres come from?

Answer 2

Cotton from the cotton plant.
Linen from the flax plant.
Wool from sheep.
Silk from silkworms.

Question 3

Where do regenerated fibres come from?

Answer 3

Pine trees and chemicals: Viscose uses wood pulp and caustic soda // Lyocell and Tencel are biodegradable and really strong so they are also used for non-woven fabrics for wipes and swabs, disposable gowns for medical staff // Acetate uses wood pulp and acetone to make a lustrous fibre often used for lining and ball gowns.

Question 4

What three stages are textile materials made in?

Answer 4

1. Spinning fibres into yarns
2. Weaving or knitting yarns.
3. Finishing fabrics to make them more useful.

Question 5

What are the two types of fibre length?

Answer 5

Staple fibre - short fibres

Filament fibre - long fibres