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Write a profile of one blended fabric you have studied - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2(b) - 2010
Question 2(b)
Write a profile of one blended fabric you have studied. Refer to: • production • properties • identification test • uses.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write a profile of one blended fabric you have studied - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 2(b) - 2010
Step 1
production
Answer
One blended fabric that I have studied is polyester-cotton. The production process begins with harvesting cotton, where the bolls are picked and the cotton fibers are separated from the seeds. Afterward, these fibers are cleaned and prepared for spinning into yarn.
For polyester, the process involves extracting a viscous liquid from petroleum, which is then further modified and extruded through small holes to form filaments. These filaments solidify as they cool down. In the case of polyester-cotton blends, the two fibers are typically combined during the spinning process. This can happen in two ways: through mixing, where threads are combined before spinning, or through blending, where fibers are combined in the spinning process itself.
Step 2
properties
Answer
Polyester-cotton fabrics possess several beneficial properties. The polyester component lends strength and durability, making the fabric resistant to wrinkling and shrinking. On the other hand, the cotton provides breathability and softness, adding to comfort when worn. The blended fabric typically showcases enhanced resistance to fading and stains, thanks to the polyester.
Step 3
identification test
Answer
To identify polyester-cotton blend fabrics, one may perform a burning test. When a sample of the fabric is held to a flame, the polyester will melt and leave a hard bead, while the cotton will burn more readily, producing a gray ash. Observing these characteristics can help in identifying the blend.
Step 4
uses
Answer
Polyester-cotton blended fabrics are widely used in various applications, such as clothing like shirts and trousers, bed linens, and soft furnishings like curtains and cushions. The blend's ability to combine comfort with ease of care makes it a popular choice in both fashion and home textiles.