Protection

In terms of protection against physical/mechanical agencies, the level of protection is determined by a combination of factors. The nature of the textiles used to provide protection and their location are important. Often non-textile materials are also used to give enhanced protection.

Polyamide (or nylon) fibres are strong and elastic, they have excellent abrasion resistance and are very hard wearing (fabrics constructed from coarse filaments are particularly robust, e.g.Cordura). They are thermoplastic and will take permanent set. Other synthetic fibres also have good mechanical properties.

Aramids are aromatic polyamides used in "technical" textiles, they have high resistance to heat and superior mechanical properties. They are used mainly in protective clothing and industrial fabrics but also find use as protective panels in sportswear fabrics. For example mutilayer woven aramid fabrics give resistance to penetration by knives and bullets. Other aramids are used to give protection against flames and high temperatures.

Generally speaking woven fabrics are strong, relatively rigid and hardwearing; the toughness of the fabric may be improved by incorporating ribs of higher decitex yarn to inprove tear resistance (rip-stop). Although knitted fabrics are generally considered to be more elastic and extensible, they are used for protection in the form of laminates or as supports for resins.