(OCR DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY FOR GCSE: TEXTIES
Elasticity
All fibres and fabries have acertain amount of
elasticity, or ‘give’, not to be confused with
the qualities of elastic. The more elasticity 2
fibre or fabric has, the less likely it is to
crease, and the more comfortable it will be to
weer.
Absorbency
Fabrics that have good absorbency are
usually comfortable to wear, as they absorb
perspiration, which then evaporates away
from the fabric. Fibres and fabrics used for
towels need to be absorbent if they are to
function. Fibres and fabrics that hold moisture
are also less likely to build up static
electricity. Static electricity causes fabrics to
cling to the body and also to attract and hold
dirt particles, neither of which are desirable
qualities. Fabrics that are absorbent take a
long time to dry.
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Figure 2.12 Towels need to be absorbent
Thermal conductivity
Fibres and fabrics that have good thermal
conductivity are cool to wear. Heat is
conducted away from the body by the fibres
and fabric, Fibres and fabrics with poor
thermal conductivity are warm to wear, 2s
they trap heat next to the body.
Washability
‘The washability of fibres and fabrics depends
on a number of other performance
characteristics such as abrasion resistance,
‘the ability to withstand heat, ability to
withstand chemicals, crease resistance and
how absorbent a fabric is. This is an
important factor to consider when choosing a
fabric for an item that will need to be washed.
frequently.
Figure 2.13 A fleece top needs to be warm to
wear: the fabric used has poor thermal
conductivity
Resistance to chemicals including
acid, alkaline and bleach
Chemicals are regularly used when washing
textile items. Washing agents and febric
softeners as well as stain removal agents are
chemicals, and it is important to look at the
labels on these products before using them
on a fibre or fabric. Some fibres and fabrics
are particularly sensitive to chemicals and
need to be washed carefully
Perspiration is a mild acid, as are some fruit
juices and vinegar. Leaving these acids in
contact with some fibres and fabrics for
prolonged periods could cause permanent