Waterproof fabrics: variety of species and classification of fabrics

Nowadays waterproof things do not surprise anyone: clothing manufacturers use technological innovations and give the equipment such qualities that they could not even dream about before. But how did it all start? Where did the waterproof fabrics come from and how did they reach today's level of popularity?

A bit of history: the experience of Mr. Mackintosh

By its appearance and subsequent popularity, waterproof clothing is due to the British scientist Charles Mackintosh. Like many famous scientists, he managed to make the discovery quite by accident. He absolutely did not ask himself how to make the fabric waterproof, but merely accidentally dipped the sleeve of his jacket into a container with rubber during the experiment.

After a while, Mackintosh noted that such an annoyingly smeared jacket does not lend itself to moisture and has acquired water repellent properties. The only problem was that the rubber was very sticky, and the same waterproof fabric became waterproof. The chemist thought and found a way out: he used two layers of matter, and rubber, dissolved in kerosene, acted as a waterproof layer.

The result was completely satisfied with Mr. McIntosh, and a chemist from Scotland received a patent for his invention.

Waterproof fabric is gaining popularity

The resulting fabric promised to be a breakthrough, and its creator puts the case on the flow: in the city of Glasgow, the first enterprise is opened, where clothes made of waterproof fabric are produced. But the expected success was not followed: the blame was a strong smell of kerosene, which became a side effect of the technological process.

The sailors were not afraid of suffocating aroma, they became the main buyers of the new enterprise. Waterproof fabrics, from which the seamen's clothing was sewn, saved them from storms and splashes, but could not stand the bright rays of the sun and began to melt.

The case, initially promised big profits, confidently went to the bottom.

Macintosh and vulcanization

Rubberized fabrics would have remained in history, if there had not been one more discovery. In the forties, the process of rubber vulcanization was opened : thanks to the innovation it was possible to obtain a fabric resistant to temperatures and not exuding unpleasant odors.

But the author of the discovery Charles Goodyear did not want to share the features of the technological process and kept it in strictest secrecy.

Mackintosh with his companion, Thomas Hancock, for two years, persistently conducted experiments, and they were crowned with success: the vulcanization of rubber became available to them.

After this, the state of the production of Mackintosh and Hancock is abruptly changing, and the rubberized fabric is in great demand and popularity.

Today, many may not know what the name of the waterproof fabric is and in what year it appeared, but practically everyone knows that the mackintosh is a waterproof elongated raincoat.

What is the situation today?

The case of British chemists lives and thrives: waterproof fabrics are in great demand and popular.

Most often they are used in the manufacture of specialized clothing: for hunters, fishermen, tourists and athletes.

Large manufacturers of clothes for sports and outdoor activities have entire scientific departments, which annually present novelties and technological developments. Thermal insulation, moisture removal, extreme temperatures, extreme wear resistance - all these qualities are waterproof fabric. The name every new instance of tissue gets its own, depending on the special properties that it possesses.

Types and features of waterproof fabrics

Modern manufacturers can offer a large selection of waterproof fabrics with different properties and names. But they share their common characteristics.

• High density. This leads to the fact that such a tissue lacks elasticity. It is not subject to stretching and shrinkage. Also, the density provides a smooth texture and lack of friability.
• Diagonal, or twill, weaving. If you carefully consider various waterproof fabrics, you can clearly see on them a pattern in the form of a diagonal hem. This is the twill weave: a special weave of threads in the fabric provides an increase in surface tension in the drops of water, due to which it can not penetrate into the tissue. These scars provide water-repellent properties of the tissue without special impregnation and treatment.
• Practicality. In the manufacture of such a material, a combination of natural and synthetic threads is used. They perfectly absorb all kinds of paint, do not sit down and long rush. Due to this, waterproof fabrics are characterized by increased practical properties.

Among the most popular modern types of water-repellent fabrics are the following:

1. Taslan. It is distinguished by a combination of thin and thick threads, which are intertwined in a special way.
2. Jordan. Such a waterproof fabric is soft enough to touch and has a characteristic luster.
3. Oxford. The most rigid of widely used waterproof fabrics. Such material is distinguished by a clearly expressed diagonal texture.
4. Dyuspo. Its main difference is matte surface with no signs of shine. The material has some silky.

What is sewing from her

Depending on the composition and type of tissue, it finds its application. Widely used waterproof fabrics with a synthetic basis for sewing workwear for fishermen and tourists, protective aprons and pelerine hairdressers, as well as for the manufacture of all kinds of promotional products (streamers, banners).

In addition, a dense waterproof fabric can often be seen as furniture upholstery , material for umbrellas and bags, the basis for accessories for the bath and pool.

If the waterproof material has a natural base, it can be used for making home textiles: tablecloths, covers for furniture and clothes, curtains, hammocks.

Choosing sportswear, in almost every specialized equipment store you can meet a large selection of products from waterproof fabrics for every taste.

Care for waterproof cloth

Small dirt is best eliminated with a sponge and soap solution.

Clothing from waterproof fabrics can be washed in a washing machine, taking into account all the manufacturer's recommendations. Usually this is a wash at a low temperature - 30-40 degrees, as well as gentle mode.

You can iron such clothes: the more the percentage of natural threads in the waterproof fabric, the higher the temperature of the iron can be used.

It is not recommended to wash clothes too often from moisture-repellent fabric, it can quickly lose its basic properties. Also absolutely contraindicated is the use of bleach - it will be fatal for any kind of waterproof fabric.

Creators of waterproof fabrics could only dream of such success: today such material can be found in every house. Proper care and careful handling will ensure the long operation of products, and they will not be able to save their owner from rain and wind for several years.