Modern fibres and fabrics

Definition:
Microfibres are extremely fine synthetic fibres. They are mainly Polyester and Polyamide.

Characteristics:

• Very lightweight
• Soft
• Drape well
• 1/100th the diameter of a human hair
• Exceptional strength
• Easy care
• Can be made water and wind resistant
• Comfort of natural fibres

Application of Microfibres

• Clothing
• Accessories
• Cleaning textiles
• Insulation
• Basketballs
• Upholstery

Definition
Tencel is a modern type of regenerated fibre, engineered from cellulose. This group fo fibres is classed as lyocells

Characteristics of Tencel:

• Absorbant
• Excellent wet strength
• Crease resistant
• Good drape
• Biodegradable

Definition:

Tyvek is a modern non woven fabric which derived from polyethyline fibres.

Characteristics of Tyvek:

• Lightweight
• Tear resistance
• Cheap

Application of Tyvek 

• Used as housewrap to provide a water barrier.
• mail envelopes
• HAZMAT application
• Durable fabric in shoes
• packaging for laboratory equipment

Gore-tex and sympatex 

Definiton:

They are membrane systems which prevent water and wind from penetrating whilst allowing perspiration to escape.

Characteristics of laminated fabrics

• Tough
• Lightweight
• Waterproof

Application of laminated fabrics

• Used in sporting activities such as skiing.
• Used in medical applications

Micro encapsulated fabrics definition:

Microencapsulation involves encapsulating liquid or solid substances in tiny thin-walled natural or synthetic bubbles. Microspheres gradually release active agents by simple mechanical rubbing, which ruptures the membrane over time.

Application of Micro encapsulated fabrics

• incorperates moisturisers
• incorperates therapeutic oils
• incorperates insecticides
• used in sportswear, underwear and work clothes
• used in thermochromic and photochromic textiles