Just 10-15 years ago, no one imagined that a person would be able to create such an artificial material as, for example, starlite or shapeless metal.
It was something out of science fiction, something that was only shown in science films. However, technology and science do not stand still, and various ideas and projects appear.
Properties of synthetic fabrics
Synthetic fabrics are very multifunctional; we list their main advantages and disadvantages.
The main properties of synthetic fabrics include excellent thermal insulation; this fabric retains its color and shape remarkably well; even after washing, synthetic items do not change their original appearance. This material has good wear resistance, is also stain resistant and incredibly durable. In addition, fabric made from synthetic threads is very elastic, this is one of the most important properties, thanks to which this material is considered one of the most durable; even during long-term use, things and products made from such polyester fibers do not become unusable.
Carbon nanotubes
An ordinary sheet of carbon that is one atom thick and rolled into a cylinder. Although it is light, it is still 100 times stronger than steel. In addition, it conducts electricity no worse than copper. The tubes are small and not visible to the naked eye. They have the form of soot in the unprocessed state. They are used in the production of cables for “elevators to space,” because such a carbon sheet can withstand a lot of weight without bending.
These are not all artificially created materials. Every year, scientists from different countries make discoveries in the synthesis of new ones. After all, science is an “unexplored” world in which you can find and discover something new every time.
Washing synthetic fabrics
Clothing and things made from synthetics do not require special attention - this is also one of their advantages, however, it should be reminded how to care for this fabric so that it pleases customers with its positive qualities for a long time. We list the basic care recommendations: these items can be machine washed, the main thing is to maintain the correct water temperature. Make sure that the temperature is no more than 40 degrees. To prevent clothing made from synthetic fibers from shrinking, such items should not be boiled. It is best to dry synthetic products in natural conditions, avoid direct sunlight and artificial heat sources. Ironing of this fabric should be done on a delicate setting so as not to damage or deform things. Follow these rules and you will enjoy clothes and items made from synthetic fabric.
So, this fabric is very popular in the textile market not only in Russia, but also in the world. Today it is difficult to imagine everyday life without this material; it is the optimal and successful combination of price and quality.
Liquid glass
Not exactly new material, but it lives up to the name. It is essentially an alkaline material that is made up of water and has potassium and sodium silicate particles. The creation procedure has various options. It can be created like regular hard glass by using the melting point to melt sand and baking soda. The second method is based on the effect of lithium on a material with silica.
Liquid glass has a high adhesive ability because the molecules are on the surface. They come into contact with other molecules and give up their moisture, while increasing density and viscosity. The insulation of this glass is amazing: it can withstand temperatures of 1200-1300 degrees Celsius.
Why is it added to cement mortars? This is because, in combination with the low price of glass and its abilities, the cement mortar improves its qualities. Also, due to its resistance to moisture, such glass is recommended for use in the construction of houses and commercial premises. It is also used as an insulator in electrical applications, in laying linoleum, and even in gardening, all due to the same adhesive properties.
Polyurethane – elasticity and water protection
The main feature of polyurethane threads is their elasticity - they can be stretched to a value eight times greater than the original one. Due to this feature, they are used as a base for elastomers, covering the outside with viscose or polyester. The list of such elastic materials is long, which includes spandex, elastane, lycra, supplex. Materials for technical and medical purposes are also made from it. The second direction of using polyurethane is to create a water-repellent layer (PU - fabric).
Lightweight and hydrophobic polypropylene
Among all synthetic fibers, polypropylene is considered the lightest. Polypropylene threads are traditionally used as an additive to natural raw materials, but its main advantage has been revealed relatively recently. The hydrophobicity of this substance, which contributed to its widespread use as raincoat fabric and water-repellent coating, has found wide application in the manufacture of thermal underwear.
Thanks to the loose structure of polypropylene fabric, moisture and water vapor quickly penetrate from the surface of the skin to the outer layer, while the fabric itself remains completely dry.
Unfortunately, this fabric is also not without its drawbacks - it quickly forms pills, can cause irritation if worn constantly, and easily absorbs odors.
"Collection"
Khodynskaya st., 4
+7 (906) 740−25−25
I-collectionshop.ru
“Collection” is another chain of two stores in Moscow. Here you can find the same silk, cotton and satin at low prices, as well as a small selection of personalized fabrics. For regular customers there are five and ten percent discounts, and on sale you can even find openwork wool and cotton for 200 rubles per meter. All fabrics are available to order online, however, it is worth remembering that they cannot be returned, so it is still wiser to order only simple and predictable materials like velvet or cotton.
Starlit
This is a plastic that can withstand incredibly high temperatures: its thermal threshold is so high that at first they simply did not believe the inventor. Only after demonstrating the capabilities of the material live on television, employees of the British Atomic Weapons Center contacted the creator of starlite.
Scientists irradiated the plastic with high-temperature flashes equivalent to the power of 75 bombs dropped on Hiroshima - the sample was only slightly charred. One tester noted: “Usually you have to wait several hours between flashes for the material to cool. Now we irradiated him every 10 minutes, and he remained unharmed, as if in mockery.”
Unlike other heat-resistant materials, Starlite does not become toxic at high temperatures, and it is also incredibly lightweight. It can be used in the construction of spacecraft, airplanes, fireproof suits or in the military industry, but, unfortunately, starlite never left the laboratory: its creator Morris Ward died in 2011 without patenting his invention and leaving no descriptions . All that is known about the structure of starlite is that it contains 21 organic polymers, several copolymers and a small amount of ceramics.
A variety of synthetic fibers
Let's look at some in more detail:
- Polyamide - the raw materials are oil, gas and coal. Nylon and nylon are obtained from this species. They produce stockings, socks, thermal underwear, and travel equipment.
- Polyester - processing of oil and its secondary products. The resulting fibers are polyester and lavsan, which are used in the manufacture of fabrics for clothing and furniture.
- Polyvinyl alcohol. This type includes materials such as vinol, kuralon. Faux fur, T-shirts, tunics, and sweaters are made from the resulting fabrics.
- Polyolefin - formed due to such alloys as Herculon, Mercalon. Knitwear is made from this type of fiber.
"Tissura"
Leninsky Prospekt, 41/2 +7 (499) 135−30−41
Tissura.ru
Another store on Leninsky Prospekt, where, in addition to popular Italian fabrics, you can find materials from France, England and Switzerland. This is where you should go for knitwear and silk from serious brands. Prices are an order of magnitude higher than in other stores (on average, from 2 thousand rubles per meter), but the chance of finding material for a tweed suit in the spirit of Chanel is much higher. A variety of accessories are also sold here, including Swarovski buttons.
"Season"
Leninsky Prospekt, 39/1
+7 (495) 786−97−32
Season.ru
"Season" is a chain of stores scattered throughout Moscow. All kinds of sewing equipment are sold here, including sewing machines, needlework magazines, mannequins and, of course, fabric, most of which is imported from Europe. There are more than 30 options to choose from, including personalized ones: Kenzo, Trussardi, Moschino, Prada (from 1,200 rubles per meter). Here you can also buy materials for sportswear (lycra, stretch velvet and fine mesh). All fabrics are available for order in the Season online store; news about discounts and promotions, as well as discount coupons, appear periodically.
History of man-made materials
The first raw materials that people used to produce textiles and household items were the well-known flax, hemp, cotton, wool, and silk. These natural materials have survived many historical eras and are widely used today. The idea that a person can create artificial fibers from other substances was expressed by French encyclopedists, but they were put into practice only in 1890. The reason for this was research carried out at the gunpowder plant in Besançon (France), as a result of which, over time, the production of threads from hydrated cellulose and viscose was established. On their basis, the first artificial fabrics were created, primarily the popular staple, which is in great demand today, as well as acetate, cupra, lyocell, modal .
A new step in the development of the textile industry was the synthesis of fiber-forming polymers, the raw materials for which were natural carbon compounds, primarily oil, coal and gas. The modern list of synthetic materials is very extensive, and historically, the names of the same fabric can be different in different countries. Based on their composition and structure, the following types of polymers are distinguished:
- polyamide,
- polyester,
- acrylic,
- polyvinyl chloride and polyvinyl alcohol,
- polypropylene (polyoliphene),
- polyurethane.
New classes of third-generation polymer fibers include polyamides and polyethylenes with high molecular weight, polybenzoxazole, polybenzimidazole, as well as glass and ceramic threads, nanofilled and nanosized fibers. So far, the production of such innovative polymer materials is limited, and their scope is limited to various fields of technology and medicine, but it is possible that synthetic fabrics based on them, as well as new artificial materials, will soon appear.
"Tessutidea"
Spartakovsky lane, 2, building 1 +7
Tessuti-ital.ru
Another fabric store from Italy, Tessutidea, is located on Spartakovsky Lane near the Krasnoselskaya metro station. Prices here are slightly higher than in previous stores, but the assortment is more varied. For example, here you can find ugly fur in snow-white color (from 1,500 rubles) and printed silk with any kind of patterns (on average 1,000 rubles per meter). Quite often the store has sales of previous collections, when many fabrics become several times cheaper. A large section is dedicated to accessories and related products.
"Perfect place"
Bolshaya Novodmitrovskaya st., 36 building 1
+7 (495) 545−71−90
Otlichnoemesto.com
“Excellent Place” on “Flacon” is a store with an impressive selection of signature fabrics, among which you can find Etro, Chanel, Loro Piana, Marc Jacobs, Chloe and a dozen more brands, as well as inexpensive fabrics with bright prints and unusual textures. There are quite a lot of wool fabrics: alpaca, merino, angora and cashmere. There is a system of discounts for wholesale buyers and tailors, however, the prices here are already quite moderate: woolen fabrics cost from 450 rubles per meter, velor and mohair will cost a little more.
Rose petal silk
Since traditional silk production involves killing silkworms (although a more peaceful, cruelty-free option also exists), some fashion brands have begun turning to plant-based alternatives. Stella McCartney, for example, uses silk fiber grown in a laboratory, and Salvatore Ferragamo opted for fabric made from orange peel.
Rose petal silk is one of the latest developments. “It’s made from Indian roses,” says William Lundgren, CEO of Bite Studios, which lives between London and Stockholm. Silk shirts are their calling card. Petals left over from flower production are crushed and twisted into threads, which are then dyed using natural pigments. “The result is a soft-touch, glossy material, and no chemicals are required to grow rose bushes,” adds Lundgren.
Rose petal silk dress, Bite Studios
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
This chemical solvent first appeared as a by-product of cellulose production and was not used in any way until the 60s of the last century, when its medical potential was discovered: Dr. Jacobs discovered that DMSO could easily and painlessly penetrate body tissues - this allows quickly and without damage inject various drugs into the skin.
Its own medicinal properties relieve pain from sprains or joint inflammation due to arthritis, for example, and DMSO can also be used to fight fungal infections.
Unfortunately, when its medicinal properties were discovered, industrial production had long been established, and its widespread availability prevented pharmaceutical companies from making a profit.
DMSO also has the unexpected side effect of causing the person's breath to smell like garlic, which is why it is used primarily in veterinary medicine. (Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)
Shapeless metal
This substance allows golfers to hit the ball harder, increases the bullet's striking power and extends the life of scalpels and engine parts.
Contrary to its name, the material combines the strength of metal and the hardness of a glass surface: the video shows how the deformation of steel and shapeless metal differs when a metal ball falls. The ball leaves many small “pits” on the surface of the steel - this means that the metal absorbs and dissipates the impact energy. The shapeless metal remained smooth, which means it better returns the impact energy, which is also evidenced by a longer rebound.
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Most metals have an ordered crystalline molecular structure, and from a blow or other impact, the crystal lattice is distorted, which is why dents remain on the metal. In a shapeless metal, the atoms are arranged randomly, so after exposure the atoms return to their original position.
BacillaFilla - construction microbe
Concrete has the property of “tiring” over time - it becomes dirty gray and cracks form in it. If we are talking about the foundation of a building, repairs can be quite labor-intensive and expensive, and it is not a fact that it will eliminate “fatigue”: many buildings are demolished precisely because it is impossible to restore the foundation.
A group of Newcastle University students have developed genetically engineered bacteria that can penetrate deep cracks and produce a mixture of calcium carbonate and glue, strengthening a building. The bacteria are programmed to spread across the surface of the concrete until they reach the edge of the next crack, and then the production of a cementitious substance begins, there is even a self-destruction mechanism for the bacteria, preventing the formation of useless “growths”.
This technology will reduce the anthropogenic emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, because 5% of it comes from concrete production, and it will also help extend the life of buildings, the restoration of which would cost a large amount in a traditional way.
"Couture"
Dubininskaya st., 71, building 4
+7 (495) 660−78−78
Italtkani.ru
An Italian fabric store with the non-trivial name “Couture” near the Tulskaya metro station offers more than eight thousand varieties of fabrics. They work here both with wholesale buyers and with individuals; however, when purchasing fabric of less than one linear meter, a 20% surcharge is charged. The assortment ranges from expensive designer ones to very simple and affordable knitwear and satin, which here will cost an average of 300-500 rubles. Also, in the store and on the website there are almost always special offers on selected fabrics.
