The Fabrics with Different Properties and Their Uses

In our everyday life, we come across a number of fabrics. These are used to make a variety of products of our daily needs. From upholstery, towels, bed covers, clothes and accessories to bags, rugs, sacks, seat covers, wall and home decors, shoes etc., there’s a whole range of products available, made of different fabrics. Derived from various sources, the fabrics are classified as man-made and natural. The main categories include plant and animal fibers, and synthetic fibers. Each one of these fabrics possesses some unique features. Let us have a look at three different kinds of fabrics that we use to make our lives more comfortable.

1.Silk

Silk is a type of animal fabric which is obtained from the cocoon of the silk worm through a process called sericulture. It is spun into a soft fabric. Silk is highly prized for its smooth texture and glossy luster. It is very expensive and used to manufacture products like dress materials, scarves, home furnishings and clothing accessories. Available in printed and hand woven designs, silk is delicate, biocompatible, permeable and flammable. A unique quality of silk is that it does not absorb water.

2. Cotton

Cotton is derived from cotton plants and is a natural fiber. Cotton is the most commonly used fabrics with the widest range of applications. Cotton comes in a variety of weights and measurements according to which it is also classified. One of them is cotton duck canvas.

Cotton is very absorbent, lightweight, inexpensive, low maintenance and highly durable. It is easy to sew, wash and dye. Since it allows air to pass through it, it is very comfortable to be worn in summers and monsoon season. The uses of cotton fabric are in the making of products like clothes, apparels and accessories, home furnishings like covers, bags, rugs, carpets, mats, crafts and upholstery etc.

3. Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fabric. It is made up of small chains of molecules which are chemically joined together using different techniques. These techniques are fusing, bonding, felting etc. These are joined together using an adhesive. They can also be bonded or fused with each other by applying strong pressure. The small chains are called polymers. The word ‘poly’ means many and ‘mer’ means units.

The main properties of polyester are that it is more durable and stronger than natural fibers. These are easier to maintain and wash. They dry up faster. Depending on their type, the synthetic fibers can be made water repellant, low absorbent, heat insulators, flame resistant, ultra stretch and anti bacterial.

So, according to their properties these are used to make products for home décor, industry, apparel, engineering, healthcare and consumer goods. The examples are mats, table covers, shower curtains, aprons, hammocks, tents, teepees, surgical gowns, caps, caps, masks, vacuum bags, tarps, and wipes etc.

So, there is a vast range of fabrics available that we can use to make a variety of products. These products can be specific to our needs and crafted according to the characteristics and properties of the fabric.

There was a need to have a lighter fabric which possesses all the qualities and can be durable. An army duck canvas fabric is a good example of it which used in army specifications.