Textiles

Abstract

AbstractTextiles refer to fibers and fiber assemblies, and most products for which these are a principal raw material. This article presents an overview of textile structures, from fibers, yarns to planar, flexible sheet‐like structures such as fiber‐based products, their classification, methods of manufacture, and uses. The structure and formation of fibers that govern their suitability for use in various applications are summarized briefly, and significant properties and performance of textile structures are given. The focus is directed upon the structure and formation of fibers, including high‐performance fibers and other specialty fibers, based on an understanding of the fundamentals of textile chemistry and the processes by which textile fibers are converted into a wide variety of useful products. A brief overview of chemical treatments of textile structures and the chemistry of functional fibers and fabrics and a description of their development strategy are given. Finally, technical textiles and smart and intelligent textiles are highlighted, which are generating new applications for textiles, as well as an environmental impact.