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Textiles have come a long way since the early days of cotton and silk, and today’s modern textiles have some very advanced and useful properties.

A major advance in textiles technology was the invention of polyamide, more commonly known as nylon. This synthetic material can be pulled into very thin strands when heated and spun just like natural textiles, and is now used extensively as a fabric in clothing.

Modern textiles can be engineered to have numerous properties, such as additional strength or resistance to fire, water and even dirt.

Agrotextiles are extensively used in farming to increase the production of agricultural products. These materials provide protection from the sun and insects and reduce the reliance on pesticides. Some examples of agrotextiles are wool, jute, nylon, polyester and polypropylene.

Construction textiles are materials used in the construction industry for function and appearance. These materials are strong, light, designed to be resistant to chemicals and sunlight and perform a range of functions, including:

• thermal insulation
• sound insulation
• water resistance
• reinforcement

Geotextiles are used to improve drainage where soil and rock materials may cause water to sit on the surface. They can also be used for stabilising and reinforcing where the ground is unstable and may collapse, eg coastal areas. Primarily, geotextiles are used in civil engineering projects, eg road embankments and railroads.

Domestic textiles are used in homes and offices, with examples ranging from flooring to antibacterial cleaning wipes. These materials may have been designed for other uses but are now commonly use for domestic applications.

Environmentally-friendly textiles are made from recycled materials or natural fibres such as cotton, wool and bamboo. They can be expensive, but they can also be mould and pest resistant.

Sports textiles are used in most sports clothing and footwear. The materials are developed to combine material functions to meet a specific need. For example, the material for a football kit is developed to be breathable, lightweight, draw moisture away and control bacteria.