Introduction
Technical fabrics are specially engineered fabrics that are designed to perform specific functions or meet specific requirements. These fabrics are typically used in a wide range of applications, such as outdoor wear, sportswear, medical textiles, industrial textiles, and protective clothing.
Some common features of technical fabrics include high strength, durability, moisture management, thermal regulation, UV protection, and flame resistance. They can also be engineered to be waterproof, windproof, breathable, stretchy, and quick-drying.
According to the book “Textile Science” by Stephen B. Bishop, “Technical textiles are defined as textile materials and products manufactured primarily for their technical performance and functional properties, rather than their aesthetic and decorative characteristics.”
Another reference, the “Handbook of Technical Textiles” by A. R. Horrocks and S. C. Anand, defines technical textiles as “those textile materials and products that are manufactured primarily for their technical performance and functional properties, rather than their aesthetic and decorative characteristics.”
It’s important to note that the terminology and usage of the term “technical fabrics” can vary among different industries and regions.
Types of Technical Fabrics
There are many types of technical fabrics, but some common types include:
1. Woven fabrics such as nylon, polyester and Kevlar are strong and durable, making them suitable for outdoor wear, ropes and webbing.
2. Knitted fabrics such as spandex and elastane are stretchy and provide a comfortable fit for activewear and sportswear.
3. Non-woven fabrics, such as felt and fleece, are soft and lightweight, making them suitable for insulation, filters and wipes.
4. Membrane fabrics such as Gore-Tex and eVent are waterproof and breathable, making them suitable for outdoor clothing and wear.
5. High-performance fabrics, such as Coolmax and Dri-Fit, are moisture-wicking and quick-drying, making them suitable for sportswear and activewear.
6. UV-protective fabrics such as Sun protective fabrics protect skin from UV rays, making them suitable for outdoor clothing, swimwear and beachwear.
7. Aramid fabrics such as Nomex and Kevlar are flame-resistant and heat-resistant, making them suitable for protective clothing and industrial applications.
8. Self-cleaning fabrics such as Teflon and Silicone-coated fabrics are resistant to dirt, stains, and water, making them suitable for outdoor furniture, car interiors and clothing.
9. Antimicrobial fabrics contain antimicrobial agents that inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and fungi, making them suitable for medical textiles, sportswear, and activewear.
10. Thermal fabrics are designed to retain heat or provide insulation, making them suitable for cold-weather clothing and outdoor wear.
11. Reflective fabrics contain reflective elements that increase visibility in low light conditions, making them suitable for safety clothing, sportswear and activewear.
12. Biodegradable fabrics, made from natural fibres such as cotton, hemp, and bamboo, decompose naturally, making them suitable for sustainable clothing and wear.
13. Shape-memory fabrics have the ability to return to their original shape after being stretched or distorted, making them suitable for clothing, medical textiles and technical wear.
14. Compression fabrics are designed to provide support and compression to specific body parts, making them suitable for sportswear, medical textiles, and fashion.
15. Soundproof fabrics are designed to reduce or block sound transmission, making them suitable for industrial applications, acoustical products, and home theatre.
16. Conductive fabrics designed to conduct electricity make them suitable for electronic textiles, wearable technology and smart clothing.
17. Durable Water Repellent (DWR) fabrics, which are designed to repel water, making them suitable for outdoor wear, rainwear, and workwear.
18. Smart fabrics have the ability to sense, respond and adapt to changes in the environment, making them suitable for wearables, medical textiles, and interactive fashion.
19. Multi-functional fabrics are designed to have multiple functionalities, such as UV protection, moisture-wicking, and antimicrobial properties, making them suitable for outdoor clothing and sportswear.
20. Fire-retardant fabrics are designed to slow down or prevent the spread of fire, making them suitable for industrial, military and protective clothing, as well as upholstery and curtains.
21. Anti-static fabrics are designed to reduce or prevent the buildup of static electricity, making them suitable for electronic and industrial applications, as well as clothing for work in hazardous environments.
22. Self-healing fabrics are designed to repair minor damages such as scratches and punctures, making them suitable for outdoor wear, protective clothing, and transportation textiles.
23. Photochromic fabrics are designed to change colour or become opaque when exposed to sunlight, making them suitable for outdoor Wear, fashion, and architectural applications.
24. Luminous fabrics, are designed to emit light in the dark, making them suitable for safety clothing, fashion, and architectural applications.
25. Textured fabrics are designed to have a specific texture, such as a bumpy, rough or smooth surface, making them suitable for fashion, interior design, and industrial applications.
26. Self-cleaning fabrics are designed to be resistant to dirt, stains, and odors, making them suitable for outdoor wear, clothing, and furniture.
27. UV-blocking fabrics are designed to block or absorb UV radiation, making them suitable for outdoor wear, clothing, and industrial applications.
28. Energy-generating fabrics are designed to generate energy from various sources, such as solar, kinetic, and thermal energy, making them suitable for wearables, electronic textiles, and architecture.
29. Transparent fabrics are designed to be see-through, making them suitable for fashion, interior design, and industrial applications.
30. 3D-printed fabrics are designed to be printed using 3D printing technology, making them suitable for fashion, interior design, and industrial applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, technical fabrics are specially engineered fabrics that are designed to perform specific functions or meet specific requirements. They are used in a wide range of applications, such as outdoor wear, sportswear, medical textiles, industrial textiles, and protective clothing. Technical fabrics are characterised by their high strength, durability, moisture management, thermal regulation, UV protection, and flame resistance. They can also be engineered to be waterproof, windproof, breathable, stretchy, and quick-drying. Technical fabrics are defined as textile materials and products manufactured primarily for their technical performance and functional properties rather than their aesthetic and decorative characteristics. The use of these fabrics continues to increase as the need for high-performance textiles in various industries continues to grow. With the advancement of technology and textile engineering, new functionalities and properties are being discovered and developed, making technical fabrics a versatile and essential aspect of the modern textile industry.
Author: –
Mr. Brijesh Kumar Bajpai, Ph.D scholar, UPTTI, Kanpur
Mr. Anoop Chaturvedi, HOD, Textile Chemistry, Government Polytechnic, Kanpur
