Manmade fibres

Polymide, polyester, polypropylene, polyacryl, acetate, cupro, and viscose. There are 2 kinds, polymers which are natural and synthetic polymers. Synthetic polymers use a chemical feedstock, Natural polymers have natural origins.In both, chemical auxiliaries in the form of catalysts, stabilisers, and solvents are consumed, but only in finishing do they produce waste. (Kate Fletcher)

Melt spinning

The process of spinning thermoplastics into fibre (wik) Melt spinning is the preferred method of manufacture for polymeric fibres. The polymer is melted and pumped through a spinneret (die) with numerous holes (one to thousands). The
molten fibres are cooled, solidified, and collected on a take-up wheel. Stretching of the fibres in both the molten and solid states provides for orientation of the polymer chains along the fiber axis. Polymers include poly(ethylene terephthalate) (Also known as PET) This facilitates the recycling of soft drinks bottles into fibres suitable for use as fleece and high performance sportswear. Nylon is also are melt spun in high volumes (www.polymerprocessing.com 8 4 07)

Mercerising

Impregnation of alkali such as caustic soda to improve lustre in cotton (also works on polynostic fibres and viscose). The fibres swell, and strengthen.

Merino Wool

One of the best, strong, soft, and most widely produced fleece from the merino sheep. Mainly farmed in Australia, and subject to debate surrounding the welfare of the sheep in relation to farming methods.

Methane

Pernicious greenhouse gas, contributes to global warming. Comes from biodegradation in landfill sites, agriculture (Farts! of cows and livestock) Can be used as an alternative energy source if harvested.

Microban

Antibacterial product which is used in fabric, mops and some children's toys
(ridgewell)

Microbes

Contain enzymes which enable them to break down many different forms of waste and even to clean up and digest oil, gasoline and grease. ( www.novozymes.com 25.3.07)

Microbial Action

Microbial action breaks down or degrades compounds such as spilled food, sweat, and urine that are often the cause of bad smells. These organics are converted to benign cellular components plus odourless carbon dioxide and water.

(www.novozymes.com )

Micro fibres

‘Very fine fibres less than 1 dernier.’ (techno textiles) ‘Microfibres are made solely from man-made fibres. They are the finest of all the fibres.’ (<www.ivc-ev.de> 7.5.07 {online]) They are nonrenewables. They have properties of wear and use which make them attractive, but need to be used in closed loop, upcycling lifecycles to make them eco friendly.

Microporous

www.pilmembranes.com

Mineral Oil

Used as a lubricant for spinning and in machine knitting. A colourless, transparent distillation of Petroleum.

Micron

A unit of measurement of the width of a fibre. Very small, one millionth of a meter (says wikipedia)

Minimise

Minimise waste production. In cutting clothes this is also a sensible economic strategy.

Mitigation

A word which can be used in the context of debate about offsetting carbon emissions. When taken as a whole, one non environmentally friendly action can be set against greater benefits accrued elsewhere, perhaps taken as a whole.

Modacrylic

‘A special polymer chemistry which offers inherent flame retardancy to the fiber. SEF does not melt or drip when exposed to flames instead it chars and helps form a barrier to further suppress the spread of flames.’

< www.apparelsearch.com > 5.5.07 [online]

Modal

Cellulose based fabric , anti crease, fine, smooth, soft, strong, good drape and easy to care for (< www.apparelsearch.com/glossary > [online] 30.4.07) made by Lenzing AG, an Austrian company.

Mohair

Yarn made from goat hair. The animal is shorn, not killed. Long, strong, lustrous staple.

Monoculture

The planting of a single crop. Not favouring biodiversity.

Monofilament

‘Synthetic fibre made by extrusion process from a single polymer’ (techno textiles)

monomer

A single molecule, in combination with others which are the same, or different,
these make polymers.

Mordants

A mordant is a substance which enables a dyestuff to bond with a fibre. Mordants are used in most natural dyeing, but many are heavy metals and are not considered acceptable by environmental conscious dyers. Alum, acetic acid, cream of tartar, salt and iron water are used, but the other common mordants are now avoided even though the colours which can be obtained are attractive aesthetically.

Mordants include tannic acid, alum, chrome alum, sodium chloride, and certain
salts of aluminium, chromium, copper, iron, iodine, potassium, sodium, and tin.

< www.wikipedia.com > 5.5.07 [online]

Mordant dyes

The most important mordant dyes are the synthetic mordant dyes, or chrome dyes, used for wool; these comprise some 30% of dyes used for wool, and are especially useful for black and navy shades. The mordant, potassium dichromate, is applied as an after-treatment. It is important to note that many mordants, particularly those in the hard metal category, can be hazardous to health and extreme care must be taken in using them.<wikipedia.com> 5.5.07 [online]

Mothballs

Paradichlorobenzene (also p-Dichlorobenzene, PDCB) A chlorinated synthetic of extreme chronic toxicity and environmental concern. An endocrine disrupter and carcinogen. It does not readily biodegrade. <wikipedia.com> 5.5.07 [online]

An ayurvedic alternative which is effective is neem oil from the Indian neem tree.Other natural oils which are used include lavender and camphor.