Nowadays, waterproof things do not surprise anyone: clothing manufacturers use technological innovations and give the equipment such qualities that they could not even dream of 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: Mr. Mackintosh’s experience
Waterproof clothing owes its appearance and subsequent popularity to the British scientist Charles Mackintosh. Like many famous scientists, he managed to make a discovery by accident. He did not at all wonder how to make the fabric waterproof, but merely accidentally dipped the sleeve of his jacket into a container with rubber during the experiment.
After some time, Mackintosh noted that the jacket so annoyingly smeared does not lend itself to moisture and has acquired water-repellent properties. The only problem was that the rubber was very sticky, and the waterproof fabric became just as sticky. The chemist thought and found a way out: he used two layers of matter, and rubber dissolved in kerosene acted as a waterproof layer.
Mr. Macintosh was quite satisfied with the result, 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 things on stream: in Glasgow, the first enterprise was opened, where clothes are made from waterproof fabric. But the expected success did not follow: the blame was the strong smell of kerosene, which was a side effect of the process.
Only the sailors were not afraid of the suffocating aroma, they became the main buyers of the newly-minted enterprise. The waterproof fabrics from which the sailors' clothes were sewn saved them from storms and splashes, but could not withstand the bright rays of the sun and began to melt.
The business, which initially promised great profits, was steadily sinking.
Mac and vulcanization
Rubberized fabrics would have remained in history if there had not been another discovery. In the forties, the process of rubber vulcanization was discovered : thanks to the innovation it was possible to obtain a fabric that is resistant to temperatures and does not exude 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 the strictest confidence.
Mac with his companion, Thomas Hancock, stubbornly conducted experiments for two years, and they were successful: the process of vulcanization of rubber became available to them.
After that, the state of production of Macintosh and Hancock is changing dramatically, and 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 almost everyone knows that the mac is a waterproof elongated raincoat.
How is it today
The case of British chemists lives and thrives: waterproof fabrics are in great demand and popularity.
Most often they find application in the manufacture of specialized clothing: for hunters, fishermen, tourists and athletes.
Large manufacturers of clothing for sports and outdoor activities have entire research departments, which annually present new products and technological developments. Thermal insulation, moisture removal, extreme temperatures, extreme wear resistance - all these qualities are waterproof fabric. The name of each new tissue instance gets its own, depending on the special properties that it possesses.
Types and features of waterproof fabrics
Modern manufacturers can offer a wide selection of waterproof fabrics with various properties and names. But they share their common characteristics.
- High density. This leads to the fact that such a fabric 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 the various waterproof fabrics, you can clearly see the pattern in the form of a diagonal scar on them. This is twill weaving: a special interweaving of threads in the fabric provides increased surface tension in the drops of water, so that it cannot penetrate into the fabric. Such scars provide water-repellent properties of the fabric without special impregnation and processing.
- Practicality. In the manufacture of such a material, a combination of natural and synthetic yarns is used. They perfectly absorb all types of paint, do not sit down and are worn for a long time. Due to this, waterproof fabrics are distinguished by increased practical properties.
Among the most popular modern types of water-repellent fabrics, the following can be distinguished:
- Taslan. It features a combination of thin and thick threads, which are intertwined in a special way.
- Jordan. This waterproof fabric is quite soft to the touch and has a characteristic sheen.
- Oxford. The toughest of commonly used waterproof fabrics. Such material is distinguished by a pronounced diagonal texture.
- Duspo. Its main difference is a matte surface with no signs of gloss. The material has some silkiness.
What is sewn from her
Depending on the composition and type of fabric, it finds its application. Waterproof fabrics with a synthetic base are widely used for tailoring overalls for fishermen and tourists, protective aprons and pelerines for hairdressers, as well as for the manufacture of all kinds of promotional products (banners, banners).
In addition, dense waterproof fabric can often be seen as furniture upholstery , material for umbrellas and bags, the basis for bath and pool accessories.
If the waterproof material has a natural basis, then it can be used for the manufacture of home textiles: tablecloths, covers for furniture and clothes, curtains, hammocks.
Choosing sportswear, in almost every specialized equipment store you can meet a wide selection of products from waterproof fabrics for every taste.
Care for the waterproof fabric
Small impurities are best removed with a sponge and soapy water.
Clothes from waterproof fabrics can be washed in a washing machine, taking into account all the recommendations of the manufacturer. Usually this is a wash at a low temperature - 30-40 degrees, as well as a gentle mode.
You can iron such clothes: the higher 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 from a water-repellent fabric too often, it can quickly lose its basic properties. The use of bleach is also absolutely contraindicated - it will be detrimental to any type of waterproof fabric.
The creators of waterproof fabrics could only dream of such success: today such material can be found in every home. Proper care and gentle handling will ensure long-term operation of products, and they will be able to save their owner from rain and wind for more than one year.