Characterisation of Textile Structures

Julian Ellis OBE

Ellis Developments Ltd

Nottinghamshire

Gimmick products? Paper knickers? PVC skirts?

New technical textiles? Implants? Bandages and wound dressings ? Carbon fibre constructs?

How do you select your important scientific development demonstrators?

What information do you need?

• Who designed it?• When was it designed?• Perhaps, why was it designed?

But also …………….

How is it made?When was it made?What fibres are used?What is the construction of the yarns?How were the yarns put into the form they are now in?What type of machine was used?What needles were used or what was the loom set out?How was it dyed and finished?What reagents were used?How much of each reagent?Is there a pattern or other written design for the fabric?How was that pattern arrived at?How was the fabric cut?What seams were used?Is there a pattern or design for the finished article?What is the story?

By history By eye By feel By microscopy By new techniques

Laser characterisation? ?

PVC garments

Model Wind Turbine Blade

Cells Growing on Textile Scaffold

Boat Sails, Masts and HullsBoating Products

Fire resistant clothing

Heat resistant clothing

• What is it for?• How was the structure made?• How does it ‘hang’• How were the yarns made?• What was it made with?• What is the human story?

Should we consider ………………

How does it hang? Drape Testing

Overwrapping, and the yarns used, the frequency of the turns, all affect the product’s appearance

and properties

The yarn texture affects the overall appearance of the product

Even a smooth fibre like silk can be modified

Some of us don’t know what the heritage people want !

Some of us don’t know what the scientists can offer

Let’s continue to talk !