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Engineers are constantly developing new lightweight, durable textiles to be used in many facets of our daily lives. Manufacturers of airplanes and automobiles are increasingly turning to textiles, such as carbon fibers, to produce their new models. They rely on carbon fibers due to light weight and durable properties. For instance, the wing of an airplane might be metal, but many of the interior parts are made of carbon fiber. Aircraft engineers combine carbon fiber with other lightweight materials to create composites which are usually 20 to 30% lighter than metal alloys. Carbon fiber threads are made up of between 1,000 and 48,000 tiny filaments. The filaments are created by oxidizing, or burning a synthetic polymer in a 2000 degree furnace, turning it into almost pure carbon.
Engineers are finding uses for new high tech materials, such as QTC - a polymer embedded with millions of tiny pointed metal particles. QTC acts like a resistor, but the metal particles are so close together, that if something in the environment changes, the charge between particles increases and electrons can jump from one to another in a process called quantum tunneling. QTC is so sensitive that its resistance will alter if there are changes in sound, smell, temperature, or pressure. In future space missions, QTC might assist astronauts with fans, lights and other devices inside of their spacesuits - controlled by so called soft switches - devices that make use of the fact that QTC becomes more conductive when pressure is applied.
Wearable electronics, textiles that generate power and smart and modern materials like Kevlar, Nomex and D30 are all covered in this resource that looks at their characteristics, functions and applications. Case studies include: materials used by stuntmen and ballerinas, a handbag that charges your phone, piezo-electric textiles and garments that sense and react to changes in your body and the environment.
Create a unique and fashionable look using second-hand thrift store clothing for your next sewing project! Instructor Kimberly Oedekoven explores her local thrift store while explaining what to look for when shopping and practical thrifting tips to find used clothes to refresh and refashion into something new. Back in the sewing studio, easy sewing projects are demonstrated from start to finish, including:
Freezer paper stencil on a sweatshirt (10:13 min.)
Filmed in Bangladesh and in the UK, this resource assesses the environmental impacts of the textile industry both here and abroad. It looks at how companies in the UK are working to meet government targets to reduce their environmental impact by using state of the art water recycling plants and by making better use of their waste streams. The resource then explores the environmental impact of textile production in Bangladesh, and shows how the true cost of cheap textiles is being felt by the very poorest living downstream from polluting textile factories.
This resource looks at the different types of industrial finishes available and their applications. It explores the reasons for finishing, and when and why different processes might be used. It then goes on to look at how the range of finishes now available is creating ever more technical materials, enhancing the role of textiles in today's society. The DVD provides examples of a variety of chemical and physical finishes and their applications.
The human body is almost constantly in contact with some form of textile, whether it be the clothing that we wear or the interiors that we live and work in. Join interior designer Brandi Hagen as she showcases samples and explains different types of natural fibers including plant, animal, mineral and synthetic fibers, including:
Nylon
Polyester
Rayon
Acrylic
Microfibers
Fabric construction and suraface design are also discussed.
Discover how sewing can be SEW cool! Create your own unique look and save some money by learning sewing basics that will give you the skills to make projects all your own. Sewing instructor Kimberly Oedekoven encourages viewers to "See it, like it, make it" while presenting sewing basics and two easy sewing projects in short segments, including:
One way to go green is to sew green. Using unconventional fabrics like sleeves from wool sweaters and "fabric" made from fused plastic bags, learn the basics of sewing through simple and easy to make projects that incorporate recycling. Four unique sewing project are demonstrated, including:
A fused plastic messenger-style bag
A cell phone or mp3 player holder
A protective sleeve for a laptop
A water bottle holder
DVD (With English Subtitles) / 2010 / (Grades 7-Adult) / Approx. 38 minutes
This resource shows how textile designers are meeting the challenge from government and consumers to meet the 6Rs. Case studies include: shoes made from old tyres and seatbelts; bags made from recycled airline seats and high fashion tailoring created from second hand shop finds. The DVD also shows jute sacks being reprocessed into fibres then manufactured into needle punched technical textiles for use in the construction industry.
New technology and processes are combining with traditional textiles to create a new generation of smarter, more technical products than ever before. Filmed with some of the world's most innovative textile companies, this programme explores the properties, characteristics and functions of these new materials and shows how they are being used to revolutionise the world around us. Case studies include: geo-textiles, medical textiles, QTC, carbon fibre and interior design
This resource looks at how CAD/CAM is transforming all sections of the textile industry, from digital printing and embroidery to knitting and laser cutting. For each case study, designers and manufacturers explain how they work in function of new technologies and discuss the benefits CAD/CAM brings to their business.
This introductory program features on-site photography and a graphic presentation of the basic structure and organization necessary for operating an apparel business successfully.
How do different finishes affect the characteristics of fabrics? This presentation discusses the various processes for dyeing, printing and finishing used in textile production. Students learn recommended care procedures and applications for various textile products suitable for or beyond the mainstream textile industry.
This presentation guides students through the many aspects of the apparel world. Students will view clothing construction techniques; learn selection, care and maintenance practices of clothing fabrics and finishes; explore weaving techniques of fibers and yarns; discuss factors influencing apparel selection, analyze management of the apparel budget; and examine apparel decisions.
Do you ever think about your jeans? Whether you realize it or not, your jeans are affected by the government, the economy, technology, world events, labor laws, politics, demographics, society and culture. Join us as we discuss the factors affecting apparel design, production and sales. Learn about international economics, safe working environments, laws protecting the environment and technological advancements. Learn how these factors also affect the textile industry. Also discussed are sources of textile products (i.e., natural and synthetic fibers.)
When it comes to the world of weights and volume, do you sometimes feel like you do not measure up? With this presentation, learn about common and not-so-common measurements, conversions and easy ways to double measurements, as well as ways to decrease measurements by halves and fourths. Learn how to find a measurement with a less-than-compatible container or measuring-device. Learn why the United States uses a different system than Europe, as well as the origin of weights and measurements. Also see how measurements vary depending on work field and industry. Use the provided charts and conversion methods in the kitchen and in the classroom.
This resource provides clear explanations and footage of: dye recipes being developed and tested in the laboratory; industrial printing methods including flat-bed, carousel and roller screen-print, as well as transfer printing and flocking. The final section looks at how factories manage the environmental impact of their waste products.
A definition of fiber, properties of fibers, fiber categories (natural and manufactured), and new fibers that have recently been invented are topics covered in this educational video. Your students will learn the process of how fibers are woven into textiles and the uses of different fibers with this practical video.