topic 1.6

Question 1

What are fibres?

Answer 1

Fibres are the raw materials used to make yarns and fabrics.

Question 2

What are natural fibres?

Answer 2

Fibres from plants or animals.

Question 3

Name four examples of natural fibres.

Answer 3

• Cotton
• Linen
• Wool
• Silk

Question 4

What is the source of cotton?

Answer 4

Plant (boll)

Question 5

What are the properties of linen?

Answer 5

• Strong
• Stiff
• Breathable
• Creases badly

Question 6

What is wool sourced from?

Answer 6

Animal (sheep)

Question 7

What are the uses of silk?

Answer 7

Lingerie, evening wear

Question 8

What are synthetic fibres?

Answer 8

Man-made fibres from chemicals.

Question 9

Name four examples of synthetic fibres.

Answer 9

• Polyester
• Nylon (polyamide)
• Acrylic
• Elastane (Lycra)

Question 10

What is the source of polyester?

Answer 10

Oil-based

Question 11

What are the properties of nylon?

Answer 11

• Tough
• Lightweight
• Elastic
• Water-resistant

Question 12

What is the primary use of acrylic?

Answer 12

Knitwear, blankets

Question 13

Fill in the blank: Blending fibres improves performance or _______.

Answer 13

[cost-effectiveness]

Question 14

What does a woven fabric involve?

Answer 14

Interlacing yarns (warp + weft)

Question 15

What are the properties of knitted fabrics?

Answer 15

• Stretchy
• Insulating
• Flexible

Question 16

What is a characteristic of non-woven fabrics?

Answer 16

Weak, cheap, does not fray

Question 17

What is the function of waterproofing as a textile finish?

Answer 17

Repels water

Question 18

Name two examples of flame-retardant finishes.

Answer 18

• Upholstery
• Children’s nightwear

Question 19

What does Kevlar provide in terms of textile properties?

Answer 19

Very strong, lightweight, cut/abrasion resistant

Question 20

What are the uses of Nomex?

Answer 20

Firefighter suits

Question 21

What is Gore-Tex known for?

Answer 21

Waterproof but breathable membrane

Question 22

What do conductive fabrics do?

Answer 22

Can carry electrical current

Question 23

What is a property of microfibres?

Answer 23

Finer than silk, can be coated

Question 24

Fill in the blank: Photochromic fibres change colour with _______.

Answer 24

[UV light]

Question 25

What is the environmental issue of microplastic pollution?

Answer 25

Synthetic fibres can shed microplastics in washing

Question 26

What does sustainability refer to in textiles?

Answer 26

Use of organic fibres (e.g. organic cotton), low-impact dyes

Question 27

What is a challenge with recyclability in textiles?

Answer 27

Some fibres and fabrics are hard to recycle, especially blended ones

Question 28

What is the impact of water and energy use in textile production?

Answer 28

High in textile production (especially cotton)

Question 29

What is the biodegradability of natural fibres compared to synthetics?

Answer 29

Natural fibres biodegrade faster than synthetics

Question 30

What is one use of shape memory textiles?

Answer 30

Medical textiles, tech garments

Question 31

What are photochromic fibres?

Answer 31

Fibres that change colour with UV light ## Footnote Commonly used in fashion and novelty items.

Question 32

What are thermochromic fibres?

Answer 32

Fibres that change colour with temperature ## Footnote Often used in babywear and warning signs.

Question 33

What do phase-changing materials do?

Answer 33

Absorb/release heat ## Footnote Used in spacewear and sportswear.

Question 34

What are shape memory textiles?

Answer 34

Textiles that return to their original shape ## Footnote Applications include medical textiles and tech garments.

Question 35

What is sustainability in textiles?

Answer 35

Use of organic fibres and low-impact dyes ## Footnote Focuses on environmentally friendly production methods.

Question 36

Why is recyclability an issue in textiles?

Answer 36

Some fibres and fabrics are hard to recycle, especially blended ones ## Footnote This complicates waste management in the textile industry.

Question 37

What is a major concern regarding water and energy use in textile production?

Answer 37

High consumption, especially in cotton production ## Footnote This raises environmental sustainability issues.

Question 38

What is microplastic pollution in textiles?

Answer 38

Synthetic fibres can shed microplastics in washing ## Footnote This contributes to environmental pollution.

Question 39

How do natural fibres compare to synthetic fibres in terms of biodegradability?

Answer 39

Natural fibres biodegrade faster than synthetics ## Footnote This is a key factor in sustainability discussions.