Fibres and Fabrics

This Nuffield Working with Science unit encouraged students to gather information about different types of fabric and the fibres from which they are made. The unit introduces aspects of fabric manufacturing processes and the different uses of fibres and fabrics. Students have opportunities to plan, carry out and evaluate practical investigations.

Guidance for teachers and technicians appears in Teachers’ Notes D.

This unit was not included in the second, CPVE edition of the project.

Contents
Section 1: How fabrics are made - Which of the samples of fabric are woven and which are non woven? Identification of patterns of weaving.
Section 2: Comparing fabrics - A study of the physical characteristics of fabrics.
Section 3: More about fibres - Changes in the use of fibres; the views of the public. Which are continuous filaments and which are staple fibres?
Section 4: Making nylon - Industrial methods of manufacturing fibre. Making nylon in the laboratory.
Section 5: Identifying fibres from fabrics – based on microscopic examination, burning tests and solubility in various solvents.
Section 6: Spinning - Using a home-made spindle to turn staple fibre into yarn.