Page 15 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

Chain growth, or addition polymerisation, occurs within a single chemical when it is encouraged to link end to end with its neighbours. This process needs lots of energy and special chemicals (called catalysts) to make the molecules join in straight chains without branches. As a result, the nature of the fibre produced is very sensitive to the branches that do form.
Caring for fibres in fabrics
As you have seen, fibres can come from many sources and as a result have many properties. It is not always easy to know what fibres or filaments are used just by looking at a fabric. In addition, many fabrics are made from a mixture of both natural and artificial fibres (for reasons we will discuss through the later sections of this book).
We have also seen that some fibres will char when heated, others melt. Some will let water in, and others will not. For these and a variety of other reasons we need help in deciding how to care for the fibres that we use, especially when they are made into fabrics used for shirts, skirts, trousers, and the like.
To help with this process, manufacturers use an internationally recognised system of care instructions. They are the instructions found on the inside of the garment. Following these instructions is vital because, as you have seen,
inappropriate care can
lead to garments being
melted or charred.
(Above and below) If you look inside a garment, you will find instructions on caring for it. Care is vital to make sure harm does not come to the most vulnerable of the fibres.
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