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Properties and performance of textiles

The CoolMax golf glove answers

Pre-test

Match the following terms with the correct definition: wicking, CoolMax, monofilament, weft rib knit fabric, lock stitch, multifilament yarn.

Term	Definition
lock stitch	A sewing technique in which each stitch contains a loop and overthread for a non-raveling flexible seam.
monofilament	A single filament of indefinite length either manufactured or found naturally.
CoolMax	A synthetic polyester monofilament manufactured by DuPont that has an inherent moisture management performance system.
wicking	The ability of a fibre to transfer moisture along its surface.
weft rib knit fabric	A highly elastic fabric made by a series of interlooping yarns across the fabric. Fabric is characterised by rib formations.
multifilament yarn	Several monofilaments twisted together to create a yarn.

After reading this tutorial on the CoolMax golf glove complete the following analysis on the fabric, yarn and fibre properties of the textiles used and match the functional criteria of the glove.

Functional criteria for the golf glove
good grip but soft keep hands dry and comfortable	permeates air durable	retains shape and is flexible feel like second skin
Rib knit fabric properties	Multifilament yarn properties	CoolMax filament properties
flexibility perfect fit unrestricted freedom highly elastic porous structure	smooth soft feel subtle lustrous anti-pilling	wicks moisture away from body promotes evaporation 20 % greater surface area lightweight permeates air has low-pill durable

Explain why CoolMax is a suitable performance filament to use for the manufacture of the golf glove fabric.

Coolmax is a suitable performance filament for the golf glove because it has been developed to have an inherent moisture management system. This management system is desirable in a golf glove because the hands that grip the golf clubs need to be kept dry and cool so as to maximise golfing performance. You can play better with dry, cool hands.

Because the Coolmax filament has been designed with a four channel fibre or tetra channel system cross-section this is responsible for speeding up the drawing of the moisture to the fabric surface (wicking) where evaporation takes place. The 20% greater surface area means that more moisture is transported to the fabric surface and the hands of the golfer can stay drier.
Justify the rib knit CoolMax fabric for the inserts and front knuckles of the golf glove.

Rib knit CoolMax is best suited for the finger inserts and front knuckles of the golf glove because rib knit fabrics are constructed with interconnecting loops and these knit fabrics give high flexibility and unrestricted freedom of movement when using the glove in action. While the knit construction gives flexibility, the CoolMax filament wicks the moisture to the fabric surface for evaporation. In addition, the slightly porous knit construction allows air to pass through and evaporation will also help to keep the hands dry.

Brainstorm the many end-uses for Coolmax fabrics and evaluate CoolMax fabrics for three of these end-uses.

Item	Positive features	Negative features
Golf glove	Keeps the hands dry, moisture free and comfortable.	Can be expensive.
Socks	Keeping the sock dry will keep the feet warm and prevent cool down chilling. Shrink resistant.	Expensive and sock may wear out quickly.
Shirts	Prevents cool down chill. Is able to be printed easily. Breathes easily. Washes and dries easily.	Can be expensive.
Pants	Comfort. Washes and dries easily. Shrink resistant.	Can pill in wear areas.