perfromace characteristics of materials Flashcards
(18 cards)
Abrasion resistant
Ability to resist surface wear caused by rubbing contact with another material
Work wear or military uniform
Absorbency
Ability to absorb and retain liquid
Towels very absorbent
Cotton and wool naturally absorbent
Synthetic fibres not absorbent
Colour fastness
Ability to retain dye during manufacturing processes as well as when washed or exposed to sunlight
Corrosive solvent resistant
Ability to withstand attack from substances such as bleach or chlorine
Durability
How much a fabric wears out
Not always because of a hole or it’s falling apart can be due to appearance being spoiled
Pile weave breaks down easily when subject to friction
Knitted shags easily leading to leaders and spoilages
Easy care
Ability to maintain optimum appearance with minimum effort when laundering
Elasticity
Ability to be deformed and then return to original shape when force is removed
Crease resistant
If cross links break can cause wrinkles or creases which can be very hard to get out of some fabrics
Electrostatic charge
Ability for static electricity to develop in fibres under exceptionally dry conditions
Flammability
Ability to burn or ignite causing fire or combustion
Don’t catch fire uncles exposures to source of ignition
Some melt some burn some give of toxic smells
Cotton catches easily
Wool doesn’t
Fabrics which trap air are highly flammable eg brushed cotton
Formability
Ability to manipulate and deform fabrics without damaging them
Contain thermoplastic fibres which can be heat set and adopt a new shape
Microorganisms and insect resistance
Ability to withstand attack and decay from organisms such as bacteria and moths
Eg knitted fibres can lead to moths
Rip proof
Designed to resist rip and tear
Outdoor product s and extreme wear clothes
Tensile strength
Ability to resist break under tension
Cellulosic fibres can be very strong
Thermoplastic
Ability to become pliable and moldable when heated enabling textures and creases to be set and retained when cooled
Thermal insulation
Ability to trap air preventing the transfer of heat through the material air is an insulator
Determine in fabric is hot or cold to wear
Smooth surfaces eg cotton linen don’t trap air well so cool to wear
Water resistance
How easily water can pass through a fabric
Most allow water through as it can penetrate through gaps in weave or knit structures others will absorb the water
Water resistant fabrics will have finish applied but will let some water through in heavy rain
Weight
Impact how it hangs drapes and how it will look in wear
Aesthetics (3)
Drape-the way a fabric hangs under its own weight
Handle- the way a fabric feels when touched
Lustre-ability of fibre to reflect light so appears shinney
