This course introduces students to the fundamental chemical principles that govern textile fibers and materials used in the fashion industry. It covers the structure and properties of natural and synthetic fibers, basic concepts of atoms, elements, compounds, and chemical bonding as they relate to textile materials. Students will explore polymer chemistry with emphasis on the formation and structure of textile polymers such as cellulose, proteins, and synthetic fibers. The course also examines the interaction between dyes, chemicals, and fibers, as well as basic textile processing including polymerization, dyeing, and finishing. Through theoretical concepts and practical examples, students develop an understanding of how chemical composition influences fiber performance, fabric properties, durability, and sustainability in fashion products. This knowledge equips students with the scientific foundation needed to select, process, and evaluate textile materials for fashion design applications.
- Teacher: Notabo Hlabano