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This lesson covers technical textiles — fabrics engineered for specific functional performance rather than purely aesthetic purposes. Technical textiles are part of AQA GCSE Design and Technology (8552), Section 3.1.3.
Technical textiles are fabrics designed and manufactured primarily for their technical performance and functional properties rather than their appearance. They are used in industries ranging from medicine to military, sportswear to construction.
Unlike conventional textiles (chosen mainly for look, feel and drape), technical textiles are selected for properties such as:
Conductive textiles are fabrics that can conduct electricity. They are made by:
| Application | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Wearable technology | Sensors woven into clothing monitor heart rate, breathing and movement |
| Heated clothing | Conductive fibres carry current to generate heat (e.g. heated gloves, jackets) |
| Touchscreen-compatible gloves | Conductive fingertips allow smartphone use without removing gloves |
| Electromagnetic shielding | Conductive fabric in military uniforms blocks radio signals |
| Smart fabrics | Fabrics that change colour, light up or communicate data |
| Medical monitoring | ECG sensors integrated into vests for continuous patient monitoring |
E-textiles (electronic textiles) combine conductive threads, LEDs, sensors and microcontrollers (such as Arduino LilyPad) to create interactive textile products. This is an excellent area for AQA NEA projects.
AQA Exam Tip: If asked about conductive fabrics, always explain the method of making the fabric conductive (e.g. weaving in metallic fibres) as well as the application. This shows understanding of both material and function.
Fire-resistant textiles are designed to resist ignition, slow the spread of flame, and/or self-extinguish when the flame source is removed.
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Inherently flame-resistant | The fibre itself resists burning due to its chemical structure | Aramid fibres (Nomex, Kevlar), modacrylic, PBI |
| Chemically treated | A standard fabric is treated with a flame-retardant finish | Proban-treated cotton (used in workwear) |
| Intumescent coatings | Coating swells when heated, forming an insulating char layer | Applied to theatrical curtains, upholstery |
| Application | Material Used |
|---|---|
| Firefighter suits | Nomex outer shell + moisture barrier + thermal liner |
| Racing driver overalls | Nomex — protects for ~11 seconds in a fire |
| Children's nightwear | Must meet BS EN 14878 flammability standards |
| Aircraft seating | Flame-retardant upholstery to allow evacuation time |
| Welding aprons | Leather or flame-resistant cotton |
| Furnishing fabrics | Must comply with UK Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations |
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 require that upholstered furniture sold in the UK meets specified ignition resistance standards. This is tested using a cigarette test and a match-flame test.
Kevlar is a high-performance aramid fibre developed by DuPont chemist Stephanie Kwolek in 1965. Its full chemical name is poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | Five times stronger than steel (weight for weight) |
| Heat resistance | Decomposes at ~500 °C; does not melt |
| Cut resistance | Extremely difficult to cut with standard tools |
| Lightweight | Much lighter than steel for equivalent strength |
| Flexibility | Can be woven into flexible fabric |
| Chemical resistance | Resistant to many solvents and chemicals |
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