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Materials and their applications
Official AQA section 3.1.1.
8
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
90 min
Study time
AqaA LevelDesign And Technology Fashion And TextilesTechnical principles
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8 objective pages available
Materials and their applications8 objectives
- Materials and applications.
- Students are expected to be able to name specific materials for a wide range of applications.
- They must also be able to provide detailed and justified explanations of why specific materials and combinations of materials are suitable for given applications with reference to: • physical and mechanical properties and working characteristics • product function • aesthetics • cost • manufacture and disposal.
- Understand the appropriate use of textile materials based on their physical and working characteristics such as: • thermal insulation • ability to reflect light • thermoplasticity • flammability • ability to absorb moisture • development of static electricity.
- Calculation of quantities of materials sizes and costs. 10 Visit aqa.org.uk/7562 for the most up-to-date specification, resources, support and administration Classification of materials.
- Students must know the classifications of the following fibres, and be able to name examples that belong to each category: • natural fibres: • natural plant/cellulosic fibres – cotton, linen, ramie • natural animal/protein fibres – wool, silk • hair fibres – cashmere, mohair, angora • manufactured fibres: • regenerated fibres – viscose, acetate • new generation lyocells – Modal ®, Tencel®, Lyocell® • synthetic fibres: • polyamide (nylon), polyester, acrylic, elastomeric • chlorofibres (polyvinyl), fluorofibres (PTFE) • aramid fibres (Kevlar ®, Nomex®) • inorganic fibres including glass, carbon, metallic, ceramic • smart materials: • reactive materials • photochromic dyes • phase changing materials • modern materials: • microfibres • nano-fibres • microencapsulated fibres and fabric.
- Methods for investigating and testing materials.
- Students must understand how workshop and industrial tests are set up and what will be tested, measured and compared, including: • flammability • crease resistance • shrink resistance • colour fastness • strength • pilling. Analysis of data obtained from testing. Visit aqa.org.uk/7562 for the most up-to-date specification, resources, support and administration 11.
Key terms
SustainabilityTextile technologyTextileMoisture-wickingBiodegradableMoisture WickingThermoplastic FibersElastomeric fibresPhase changing materialsMoisture wickingPillingColour Fastness
Exam tips
- Use specific terminology: In your answers, use precise terms related to fibres, fabrics, and finishes.
- Use specific examples in answers: When discussing materials, always provide specific examples to illustrate your points.
Common mistakes
- Confusing woven and knitted fabrics: Remember that woven fabrics are made from interlaced yarns, while knitted fabrics are made from interlooped yarns.
- Confusing natural and synthetic fibres: Remember that natural fibres come from plants or animals, while synthetic fibres are man-made from chemical processes.
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