GCSE CHEMISTRY - Clothing made from Polymers - What is Thinsulate? - What is Lycra?

Clothing made from Polymers.
Thinsulate - Breathable - Lycra - Elastic.

What is Thinsulate?

Thinsulate is a synthetic material made from
very thin fibres (micofibres) of poly(propene)
These micofibres are 10 times thinner than hair.
The fibres are spun and woven into a thin layer.

How does Thinsulate work?

Thinsulate is very good at trapping air which makes it a
good insulator. The trapped air keeps you warm and
the holes between the fibres make it breathable.
The fibres are also good at reflecting the infra-red radiation
emitted from the skin which also helps to keep you warm.
Thinsulate is not waterproof but clothing can be made
warm and waterproof by combining thinsulate with Gore-Tex.

What is Lycra?

Lycra is a type of clothing which is ideal for sportswear.
Another name for Lycra is Spandex. It is made by
combining two different polymers in alternating blocks.
One polymer is hard and crystalline, the other is elastic.
This is called a block copolymer. Lycra combines
the properties of elasticity with being hardwearing.

Links Polymers Revision Questions

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