Textiles

Textiles are a class of flexible materials created by interlocking a network of natural or synthetic fibers, yarns, or threads through methods such as weaving, knitting, felting, or bonding. As a field within materials science, the study of textiles examines how the properties of the constituent fibers (like cotton, wool, or polyester) and the fabric's structure determine its overall characteristics, including strength, durability, elasticity, and absorbency. This knowledge is then applied to design and engineer textiles for a vast range of applications, from everyday clothing and home furnishings to advanced technical uses in medicine, aerospace, and civil engineering.

1. Introduction to Textiles
   1. Defining Textiles
      1. Definition and Scope
      2. Distinction from Related Materials
   2. Historical Evolution of Textiles
      1. Ancient and Prehistoric Textiles
         1. Early Fiber Use
         2. Primitive Weaving and Spinning
         3. Archaeological Textile Finds
      2. Medieval and Renaissance Developments
         1. Guild Systems
         2. Trade Route Influences
         3. Technical Innovations
      3. The Industrial Revolution and Textile Manufacturing
         1. Mechanization of Spinning and Weaving
         2. Development of Textile Mills
         3. Impact on Society and Labor
      4. 20th Century Innovations and Synthetics
         1. Introduction of Synthetic Fibers
         2. Advances in Textile Machinery
         3. Modern Textile Industry Trends
      5. Contemporary Developments
         1. Smart Textiles
         2. Nanotechnology Applications
         3. Digital Manufacturing
   3. The Textile Production Pipeline
      1. Fiber to Yarn
         1. Fiber Preparation
         2. Blending and Mixing
         3. Spinning Processes
      2. Yarn to Fabric
         1. Weaving
         2. Knitting
         3. Non-woven Formation
      3. Fabric Finishing
         1. Pre-treatment Processes
         2. Dyeing and Printing
         3. Functional Finishing
      4. End-Product Manufacturing
         1. Cutting and Sewing
         2. Assembly and Quality Control
   4. Basic Terminology and Concepts
      1. Fiber, Yarn, Thread
         1. Definitions and Differences
         2. Uses in Textile Production
      2. Warp and Weft
         1. Orientation in Woven Fabrics
         2. Role in Fabric Strength and Structure
      3. Wales and Courses
         1. Definitions in Knitted Fabrics
         2. Impact on Fabric Properties
      4. Fabric Count and Weight
         1. Thread Count
         2. Grams per Square Meter (GSM)
         3. Relevance to Quality and Use
      5. Grain and Bias
         1. Fabric Direction Properties
         2. Impact on Garment Construction