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      Enhancing the properties of textiles

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how textile material properties can be enhanced.

      Key learning points

      1. Combining materials creates improved properties, compared to the individual materials alone.
      2. Material properties can be modified with the use of heat and/or additives.
      3. Reinforcing techniques can improve material performance.

      Keywords

      • Properties - words used to describe how a material appears (physical/characteristic) or behaves when worked (working/mechanical)

      • Combine - to join two or more things to create something new

      • Modify - to change something to make it perform differently

      • Reinforce - to make something stronger

      • Structural integrity - how well something stays together and holds up without breaking

      Common misconception

      A material's properties are fixed and cannot be changed.

      Many materials can be altered after they are made to improve their properties, e.g. strength.

      Teacher tip

      Use existing products to demonstrate altering material properties.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Materials are chosen based on their physical and working .

      Correct Answer: properties, property

      Q2.
      Which of the following is a working/ mechanical property of a material?

      Colour
      Correct answer: Hardness
      Density
      Transparency

      Q3.
      The ability of a material to resist breaking when a force is applied is called .

      Correct Answer: toughness, tough

      Q4.
      Match each material with its primary working/ mechanical property.

      Correct Answer:Rubber,Elasticity

      Elasticity

      Correct Answer:Steel,Toughness

      Toughness

      Correct Answer:Copper,Electrical conductivity

      Electrical conductivity

      Correct Answer:Glass,Hardness

      Hardness

      Q5.
      Which of the following statements is incorrect?

      Physical properties/ characteristics relate to how a material looks and feels.
      Working/mechanical properties describe material behaviour when exposed to force.
      Correct answer: Hardness is a physical property/ characteristic.
      Elasticity is a working/ mechanical property.

      Q6.
      Put the following materials in order of increasing hardness (from least to most hard).

      1 - Pine
      2 - Acrylic
      3 - Glass
      4 - Steel

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the main job of the matrix in a composite material?

      To give the material its strength
      To make the material heavier
      Correct answer: To bind the reinforcement together and protect it
      To allow the reinforcement to move freely

      Q2.
      What is the purpose of adding additives to textile fibres during production?

      To make the fabric thicker and heavier
      Correct answer: To improve a fabric's strength and performance
      To make the fabrics biodegradable
      To reduce the cost of production

      Q3.
      Which process uses heat and pressure to create a smoother material?

      Correct Answer: Calendering

      Q4.
      How can chemical treatments be used to enhance textiles?

      By making fabrics thicker.
      Creating a permanent colour change.
      Correct answer: By adding special coatings or substances.
      By making fabrics more flexible.

      Q5.
      What does 'structural integrity' refer to in materials and structures?

      Correct answer: It can maintain its shape under normal conditions without breaking.
      The aesthetic appearance of a structure.
      It can resist environmental changes like temperature and moisture.
      The cost-effectiveness of building a structure.

      Q6.
      Match the following structural integrity techniques to its definition:

      Correct Answer:Lamination,One material bonded to at least one other

      One material bonded to at least one other

      Correct Answer:Reinforced seams,Extra rows of stitching to prevent tearing

      Extra rows of stitching to prevent tearing

      Correct Answer:Gussets,Extra pieces of fabric to increase flexibility and reduce stress

      Extra pieces of fabric to increase flexibility and reduce stress

      Correct Answer:Rivets,Fastenings that reinforce high-stress areas, like corners

      Fastenings that reinforce high-stress areas, like corners

      Correct Answer:Boning,Thin strips of polymer/ metal sewn into channels to provide support

      Thin strips of polymer/ metal sewn into channels to provide support


      To help you plan your 11 design and technology lesson on: Enhancing the properties of textiles, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...