The use of metallic effects in the innovative design of textile fabrics

Abstract

This project has proposed a system for creating metallic fabric designs with the aid of chemical plating technology to facilitate design creations. The study is aimed at developing an integrated programme to create appearance and improve performance of textile fabrics. The research work consists of five parts including (i) to review the generations of metallic textile designs and methods; (ii) to establish initial procedures for the purpose of chemical plating fabric designs; (iii) to verify the chemical plating process and measure the experimental results; (iv) to justify the design methods for fabric effect; and (v) to create metallic fabric designs using the chemical plating process. A series of chemical silver-plating experiments on silk, cotton and polyester fabrics were carried out to investigate the metallised effects of individual materials. Furthermore, copper and nickel were applied onto polyester fabric during the chemical plating process. The investigation established the factors of specific condition for the chemical plating process. All the metallised fabrics were evaluated according to the international specification of ASTM D3691-02. Based on the experimental works of chemical plating treatment, the project also focused on the creative methods to generate the new metallic fabric designs. The individual patterns and colours were mastered by building up a set of chemical plating processes with various operative conditions. The resultant data was used to create the dot, line and form on several polyester fabrics. After the verification of the proposed design model Chemical Plating Fabric Design (CPFD), metallised fabric designs were then launched for some specific creations. The research, development and implementation of metallised fabric design cannot be separated from the aesthetic elements. Moreover, the study proposes a chemical plating fabric design mechanism for aesthetic effects and functional performance which involve a matching system applicable to decorative fabrics. The actualisation of physical and chemical treatments significantly corresponds to the prevailing "art meets science" climate. This thesis attempts to develop future potentials of metallic textile design in relation to the requirement of design trends and market demands.