Smart Fabrics Modern Materials Smart Fabrics A smart

Smart Fabrics & Modern Materials

Smart Fabrics A smart material is defined as one which is able to react to external stimulus / changes in the environment without human intervention.

Thermo chromic • Heat Sensitive • The ability to change colour in response to temperature. • Some thermo chromic dyes change from colourful to clear, revealing the colour of the fabric underneath. Companies can use thermo chromic dyes in shirts that slowly reveal a company slogan or logo as the shirt heats up. When the shirt cools down, the logo seems to disappear.

Thermo chromatic Colour changing footwear and t shirts Can anyone spot the fatal flaw in this design?

Microencapsulated • Having micro capsules embedded in to the fibre or fabric. • Micro capsules can hold a variety of substances depending on the fabrics intended purpose. Some of these substances are: • Flame retardant • Antimicrobial • Scented • The active substance may be released by friction or by pressure.

Microencapsulated Often used for promotional items Scratch & sniff products

Microencapsulated Medical Products • A diabetic sock is designed for those who need or want a sock that does not constrict the foot or leg. Diabetes raises the blood sugar level, which can increase the risk of foot ulcers. Diabetic socks are made to be unrestrictive of circulation. These diabetic socks also control moisture, and contain a microencapsulated antimicrobial property which can reduce the risk of infection. Another beneficial feature of diabetic socks is seamless toeclosures to reduce pressure and blistering.

Photo chromic • Light Sensitive • Photochromic dyes respond to changes in light.

Photo chromic

Photo luminescent • Also referred to as phosphorescent, and better known as ‘glow in the dark’ • Photo luminescent materials can absorb and store light energy when exposed to natural and artificial light sources such as sunlight, U. V. lights, fluorescent lights, then continuously emit stored energy in a form of visible light for a long period in the total darkness.

Photo luminescent Halloween Novelty Items and outfits Children’s toys Safety wear Club wear

Modern & Technical Fabrics A Technical textile is a product manufactured primarily for non-aesthetic purposes, where function is the primary criterion. Modern technical fabrics are now produced to be aesthetically pleasing as well as having a function.

Gore Tex • These fabrics are created by laminating GORETEX® membrane to high-performance textiles, then sealing them with a waterproof solution. • Gore Tex is a waterproof, windproof, and breathable material. • Gore Tex products have pores that allow moisture from the wearer to be released. It does not allow rain water, or wind to penetrate the outer layer, so the wearer is protected.

Gore Tex is mostly used to make outdoor wear.

Reflective • Reflective materials use a technology known as retro-reflection. • Retro-reflection occurs when light rays are returned in the direction from which they came. • Modern reflective materials mean the wearer can be seen up to 30 metres from the light source.

Reflective Worn by Fire fighters Reflective Thread Worn by Cyclists So that they can be safely seen.

UV Protective • These fabrics are pre-treated with UV inhibiting ingredients during manufacture to enhance their UV blocking capacity. • These fabrics have a UPF rating. This means that they have been tested in a laboratory to measure the level of protection that they provide from UV radiation transmittance.

UV Protective V U is ve? t ha ecti W ot pr Hats Children’s wear & Sun shelters Umbrellas & Parasols Baby prams and strollers

Combinations • A lot of modern textile products use fabrics with a combination of properties, this is particularly popular in sports and outdoor wear. • The following slide shows a garment made by a company called ‘scody’. . . .

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