A SMART FABRIC IS A FABRIC THAT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO REACT AUTOMATICALLY TO CHANGES IN ITS SURROUNDINGS. THEY CAN BE PRODUCED IN A VARIETY OF WAYS FOR EXAMPLE: THERMOCHROMIC FIBRES: THIS IS A MICRO-ENCAPSULATED DYE THAT CHANGES COLOUR AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES. THE COLOUR CHANGING EFFECT CHANGES AFTER 5-10 WASHES. PHOTOCHROMIC FABRIC: THIS FABRIC CHANGES IT’S COLOUR IN RESPONSE TO LIGHT CONDITIONS. IT IS USED ON FASHION T-SHIRTS AND CAMOFLAGE CLOTHING.

New fibres fabrics are constantly being developed: KEVLAR is a very strong polymer thats made chemically and can be spun into strong fibres. Kevlar is a very, very strong fabric which resists abrasion and is used in bulletproof jackets. NOMEX is another polymer spun into a fibre which is very fire resistant and is used in fire fighters jackets. FASTSKIN is a fabric designed by Speedo. It is designed to mimics a sharks skin the rough surface of the fabric reduces the drag in the water of the swimmer. Name 1 other fibre that has been produced to provide a purpose within industry?

Microfibres are really thin fibres that can be up to 100x finer than the human hair. They are usually synthetic fibres such as polyester and polyamide. They are very versatile fibres which can be weaved, knitted or bonded to make fabrics. Microfibers can be woven that tightly that they stop water droplets from penetrating but let water droplets such as sweat escape. Making the fabric water repellent and breathable. Microfibers are expensive so cotton, linen or silk are often blended with them to reduce the costs. Microfiber fabrics are usually used to make underwear, hosiery, sportswear and outdoor clothing. This fibre allows you to put chemicals into the fabric. Tiny droplets of chemicals are coated in a shell called a microcapsule. These microcapsule’s are embedded into microfiber's to give them another property. Chemicals such as perfume, vitamins, insect repellents can be added. Write down 1 example of using microencapsulation in a fabric.

Lamination is another method of improving a fabrics properties. Laminated fabrics are made up of two or more different layers that are stuck together. For example if you add a layer of foam to your fabric it could make it more insulated. GOR E-TEX product is made laminating a gore-tex membrane between the outer and inner membrane of the fabric making the fabric sturdier. CONDUCTIVE FABRICS are used to integrate electronics into textiles. The fabric conducts electricity through conductive fibres or coating. Conductive fibres are sued for: Sensor clothing to monitor heart rate Electronic switches that operate mp3 players etc Fabrics that act as a heater, car seats, motorbike clothing

NANOFIBRES: Think about microfibers they are very similar as they are made from synthetic polymers or carbon polymers. They are very very thin and light and strong. They are often made into NON WOVEN sheets, which can be potentially be made into lightweight bulletproof vests. NANOTECHNOLOGY: This is were you modify existing fibres and fabric so they have NEW properties. A thin layer of NANOPARTICLES can be attached to fibres and fabrics. The particles are so small that they will not change the feel of the fabric. This technology is already being used to create antibacterial fabrics by attaching nanoparticles of silver. These fabrics have a lot of medical use. These pants have been designed for open sea swimmers. They have been produced using nanotechnology and maintain the swimmer at a constant temperature in the water.

1)What type of new fabrics would be most useful for: a)A mechanic who has to refuel a racing car? b)Kneepad cover for a skateboarder? c)A nightdress for a child with skin irritations? 2) Suggest 3 possible applications for conductive fabrics? 3) Explain what is meant by a smart fabric 4)Describe how a fabric can be given insect-repelling properties.