What is a Polymer?

A polymer (from Greek poly meaning "many" and meros meaning "parts") is a large, chain-like macromolecule composed of thousands of repeating, smaller chemical units.

• Monomer: The single, basic building-block molecule that links together to form the polymer.

• Degree of Polymerization (DP): The total number of repeating monomer units in a single polymer chain. A higher DP generally results in a stronger fiber because longer chains can entangle and bond more effectively.

What is Polymerization?

Polymerization is the chemical reaction that binds these individual monomers together to form the long polymer chain. In textile science, the two primary methods of creating these chains are Addition Polymerization and Condensation Polymerization.

1. Addition (Chain-Growth) Polymerization

In addition polymerization, monomers join together end-to-end to form a polymer chain without the loss of any atoms or molecules. The total mass of the resulting polymer is exactly equal to the total mass of the monomers used.

• The Mechanism: This process typically requires monomers that contain carbon-carbon double bonds (unsaturated). An initiator (like a free radical) breaks the double bond, making the monomer highly reactive. It then quickly links to the next monomer, creating a rapid chain reaction.

• By-products: None. The polymer has the exact same empirical chemical formula as the monomer.

• Reaction Speed: Very fast chain reaction.

• Textile Examples:

  • Polypropylene: Made from propylene monomers.

  • Polyethylene: Made from ethylene monomers.

  • Acrylic (Polyacrylonitrile): Made from acrylonitrile monomers.

2. Condensation (Step-Growth) Polymerization

In condensation polymerization, monomers join together through a chemical reaction that simultaneously eliminates a small, secondary molecule as a by-product (most commonly water, but sometimes hydrogen chloride or methanol).

• The Mechanism: This process requires monomers that have two or more reactive functional groups (like hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amine groups) at their ends. The reaction happens in a step-wise manner (dimers form, then trimers, then eventually long chains) rather than a rapid chain reaction.

• By-products: Yes (e.g., $H_2O$, $HCl$). Because these molecules are lost, the resulting polymer has a slightly different chemical composition than the original monomers.

• Reaction Speed: Slower, step-by-step growth.

• Textile Examples:

  • Polyester (PET): Formed by the condensation of an alcohol (ethylene glycol) and an acid (terephthalic acid), releasing water.

  • Nylon (Polyamide): Formed by the reaction of diamines and dicarboxylic acids, releasing water.

  • Natural Fibers: Both cellulose (cotton, linen) and proteins (wool, silk) are natural condensation polymers formed by plants and animals, respectively, with water being the eliminated by-product during their natural synthesis.

Summary Comparison Table

Feature	Addition Polymerization	Condensation Polymerization
Monomer Requirement	Must have double bonds (unsaturated).	Must have two or more reactive functional groups.
By-products Formed?	No by-products.	Yes (typically water, HCl, or methanol).
Growth Mechanism	Rapid chain reaction (Chain-growth).	Slower, step-by-step reaction (Step-growth).
Polymer Composition	Identical empirical formula to the monomer.	Different empirical formula than the monomers.
Common Textile Fibers	Acrylic, Polypropylene, Polyethylene	Polyester, Nylon, Cotton (Cellulose), Wool (Protein)

classification of textile fibers

 Textile fibers are primarily divided into two main categories: Natural Fibers and Man-Made (Manufactured) Fibers.

1. Natural Fibers

These fibers are obtained directly from plants, animals, or mineral sources. They are further classified based on their chemical composition.

A. Cellulosic Fibers (Plant Origin)

These fibers are composed of cellulose, a structural component of plant cell walls. They are categorized by the part of the plant from which they are extracted:

• Seed Fibers: Extracted from the seed pod of the plant.

  • Examples: Cotton, Kapok, Coir (from coconut husk).

• Bast (Stem) Fibers: Extracted from the inner bark (phloem) of the plant stem. These are typically strong and stiff.

  • Examples: Jute, Flax (Linen), Hemp, Ramie, Kenaf.

• Leaf Fibers: Extracted from the fibrous vascular system of plant leaves.

  • Examples: Sisal, Abaca (Manila hemp), Pina (from pineapple leaves).

B. Protein Fibers (Animal Origin)

These fibers are composed of complex proteins and are derived from animal hair or insect secretions.

• Hair / Staple Fibers: Spun from the fleece or hair of animals.

  • Examples: Wool (from sheep), Cashmere (from goats), Mohair (from Angora goats), Alpaca, Camel hair, Angora (from rabbits).

• Secretion / Filament Fibers: Extracted from the cocoons spun by insects.

  • Examples: Cultivated Silk (Mulberry silk), Wild Silk (Tussar, Eri, Muga).

C. Mineral Fibers (Natural Inorganic)

These are naturally occurring inorganic minerals that can be pulled into fibrous strands.

• Example: Asbestos (Historically used for fireproofing, but now largely banned due to severe health hazards).

2. Man-Made (Manufactured) Fibers

These fibers are created through industrial manufacturing processes. They are classified based on the raw materials used to produce them.

A. Regenerated Fibers (Semi-Synthetic)

These fibers are made from naturally occurring polymers (like wood pulp cellulose or plant proteins) that cannot be spun into fiber in their raw state. They are chemically dissolved and then extruded (regenerated) into continuous filaments.

• Regenerated Cellulosic Fibers:

  • Viscose Rayon: The most common type of rayon, made from wood pulp.

  • Cuprammonium Rayon (Cupro): A finer, silkier rayon.

  • Acetate & Triacetate: Modified cellulosic fibers with a silk-like drape.

  • Lyocell (Tencel): A more modern, environmentally friendly regenerated fiber made using a closed-loop chemical process.

  • Bamboo: Often processed identically to viscose rayon, using bamboo as the cellulose source.

• Regenerated Protein Fibers:

  • Azlon: Made from naturally occurring proteins like soy, peanuts, or milk (casein).

B. Synthetic Fibers

These fibers are synthesized entirely from chemical compounds, typically derived from petrochemicals (oil and natural gas). The polymers are entirely engineered by humans.

• Polyamide: Known for high strength and elasticity.

  • Example: Nylon.

• Polyester: Known for durability, wrinkle resistance, and low moisture absorption.

  • Example: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate).

• Polyacrylonitrile: Often used as a lightweight, warm substitute for wool.

  • Examples: Acrylic, Modacrylic.

• Polyurethane: Known for exceptional, rubber-like elasticity.

  • Examples: Spandex, Elastane (Lycra).

• Polyolefins: Very lightweight fibers often used in industrial or activewear applications.

  • Examples: Polypropylene, Polyethylene.

C. Inorganic / Speciality Manufactured Fibers

These are manufactured from non-carbon-based materials and are typically used for highly technical, industrial, or decorative applications rather than standard apparel.

• Glass Fibers: Used for industrial insulation, fiber optics, and reinforcement (Fiberglass).

• Metallic Fibers: Made from metals like aluminum, gold, or silver, often coated in plastic to prevent tarnishing (e.g., Lurex).

• Carbon Fibers: Extremely strong and lightweight, used in aerospace and high-performance composites.

• Ceramic Fibers: Designed to withstand extreme, high-temperature environments.

Technical Textiles – Notes

 

 Technical Textiles –  Notes

1. Introduction to Technical Textiles

Technical textiles refer to textile materials and products manufactured primarily for their technical and performance properties rather than aesthetic or decorative characteristics. Unlike conventional textiles used in clothing or furnishing, technical textiles serve specific functional purposes across diverse industries. These textiles are engineered to meet high-performance requirements such as durability, thermal resistance, tensile strength, chemical stability, and even smart functions like sensing or actuation.

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2. Classification of Technical Textiles

Technical textiles are categorized based on their end-use applications. Major categories include:

• Agrotech (agriculture): used in shading nets, crop covers, and irrigation systems.
  
• Buildtech (construction): includes geogrids, concrete reinforcement fabrics, and roofing materials.
• Medtech (medical): encompasses bandages, surgical gowns, implants, and wound dressings.
• Protech (protection): includes flame-retardant fabrics, bulletproof vests, and high-visibility garments.
• Mobiltech (automotive): used in seat belts, airbags, tire cords, and sound insulation.
• Geotech (geotechnical): used in soil reinforcement, erosion control, and drainage systems.

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3. Materials Used in Technical Textiles

    Advanced technical textiles are made using both natural and synthetic fibers depending on the required function. Common synthetic fibers include polyester, polyamide (nylon), aramid (e.g., Kevlar, Nomex), polypropylene, PTFE, and carbon fibers. These fibers offer high strength-to-weight ratios, thermal resistance, chemical inertness, and sometimes electrical conductivity. Natural fibers like cotton, flax, and jute are also used in applications that demand biodegradability or cost-effectiveness.

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4. Smart Textiles and Innovations

    Smart or intelligent textiles are an emerging subcategory of technical textiles that can sense and respond to environmental stimuli. They integrate components such as sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers into the textile structure. Applications include health monitoring garments, temperature-regulating fabrics, and military camouflage that adapts to surroundings. Smart textiles are also increasingly used in sportswear for biometric tracking.

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5. Manufacturing Techniques

    Technical textiles use a variety of advanced production techniques beyond traditional weaving and knitting. These include nonwovens, composites, 3D weaving, coating, lamination, and electrospinning. Each method is selected based on the performance requirement. For instance, nonwoven fabrics are used in filters and medical applications due to their porosity, while composites are used in aerospace and automotive for lightweight strength.

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6. Applications in Industry

    Technical textiles have revolutionized industries such as aerospace, military, civil engineering, healthcare, and transportation. In aerospace, lightweight composite textiles reduce aircraft weight, improving fuel efficiency. In healthcare, biocompatible textile implants and dressings promote healing. The automotive sector relies on technical textiles for comfort, safety, and performance enhancements. The construction industry uses them for better insulation, reinforcement, and longevity of structures.

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7. Sustainability and Future Trends

    With increasing environmental concerns, the focus is shifting towards sustainable technical textiles. Innovations include bio-based polymers, recyclable materials, and energy-efficient manufacturing techniques. Research into nanotechnology and smart fabrics continues to open new frontiers, making textiles that are not only high-performance but also interactive and sustainable.

BASIC T SHIRT

 

EX.NO.1

DATE: **/**/**

 

BASIC T SHIRT

 

AIM

          To draft the patterns of Basic t-shirt and grade it to different sizes using Modaris software.

Then calculate marker efficiency using Diamino software.

 

REQUIREMENTS

 

Hardware	software
1. Cpu	1.Modaris
2. Moniter	2.Diamino
3. Keyboard	3.Just print
4. Mouse
5. Digitizer
6. Printer

 

 

PROCEDURE:

 

ENVIRONMENTAL TUNING:

 

File menu                     "      New

Parameter menu "      Length unit " cm

Config menu                "      Icon/text   

Sheet menu                   "      Newsheet

 

 

 

PATTERN DRAFTING:

 

 

BODY PATTERN:

 

F2     "Tools      "Rectangle                  "Enter the length and chest

                                                                       Measurements

F1     "Points     "Developed                "Mark neck open and neck drops

 

F2     "Tools      "Arc arrow                  "To draft the front and back neck curves

 

F1     "Lines      "Parallel                      " To draw the shoulder line.

 

F1     "Points     "Developed                " Mark the shoulder slop

 

F1     "Lines      "Straight                     " Join neck point and shoulder slop 

                                                                        Point

F1     "Points     "Relative point           "Mark the armhole point

 

F1     "Lines      "Bezier                        "To draw the armhole curve neatly (defending upon the style)

                                                                       with help of shift key

 

 

 

 

 

 

SLEEVE PATTERN:

 

F3     "Line                  " Len.str.line     " extended the shoulder line using

             Modification                                      Sleeve Length Measurement

 

 

F1     "Lines                "Straight            "To draw the perpendicular line

                                                                                                with holding  Shift key

 

F1     "Lines                "Straight            "Draw the under arm line

 

 

EXTRACTED PATTERNS:

 

F4     "Piece                "Seam                "Extract the patterns

(to cut front, back & sleeve patterns)

 

 

GRADING PROCESS:

 

Open notepad and type alpha, and sizes (like s, m, l, and etc). And also mark the asterisk symbol (*)

before the base size. Then save and minimize the file.

 

In modaris

 

F7          " Imp.EVT   "Click on any one sheet, select notepad file and click on the open button.

 

 

F6          "control        "Click on pattern points and enter x, y values for grading. 

 

 

 

MARKER PLANNING:

 

F5         →Sym 2 pts → Click on two points of fold lines for open pattern

 

F8         →variant                  → Input variant name and minimize.

F8         →create pce article  → select required patterns for marker planning. And then save

                   the modaris file.

 

In Diamino:

Create the new file in diamino software and fill marker generalities and marker composition charts.

Then save the marker file and close. Open the saved file and arrange the patterns in marker area.

From the planning, calculate the marker efficiency and weight of the marker.

 

Fabric Calculation:

 

Length of the marker    =      A cm

Width of the marker     =      B cm

Gsm of the fabric         =       C gram

 

1.                TOTAL WEIGHT OF THE MARKER(D) grams    =         A*B*C/10000

 

2.                AVERAGE PIECES WEIGHT(E) grams  =    D / NO.OF MARKED                                                                                                                     PIECES

 

 

 

 

RESULT:

 

The patterns for basic t-shirt is drafted and graded. Then the marker efficiency calculated.