Functional Finishes and Coatings

**Advanced Certificate in Functional Fabrics for Sportswear #

** A program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, and produce high-performance sportswear using functional fabrics and coatings.

**Bacteriostatic Finish #

** A type of finish applied to fabrics to prevent the growth of bacteria, which can cause odors, stains, and other issues. Bacteriostatic finishes are often used in sportswear and other performance fabrics to keep them fresh and hygienic.

**Coating #

** A layer of material applied to a fabric to enhance its properties, such as waterproofing, breathability, or durability. Coatings can be made from a variety of materials, including polymers, resins, and rubber.

**Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Finish #

** A type of finish applied to fabrics to make them water-repellent. DWR finishes cause water to bead up and roll off the fabric, rather than soaking in. This helps to keep the fabric and the wearer dry in wet conditions.

**Elastane #

** A synthetic fiber that is highly elastic and stretchy. Elastane is often blended with other fibers, such as cotton or polyester, to create fabrics with enhanced stretch and recovery.

**Fluorocarbon Finish #

** A type of finish that is often used to make fabrics waterproof. Fluorocarbons are a class of chemicals that have a very low surface energy, which makes them repel water. However, they have been criticized for their potential negative environmental impacts.

**Functional Finishes #

** Finishes that are applied to fabrics to enhance their performance properties, such as waterproofing, breathability, or UV protection. Functional finishes can be divided into two categories: durable finishes, which are permanently bonded to the fabric, and washable finishes, which can be washed out.

**Hydrophilic Finish #

** A type of finish that attracts water and helps it to spread out over the surface of the fabric. Hydrophilic finishes are often used in sportswear and other performance fabrics to enhance their breathability and moisture management properties.

**Laminate #

** A layer of material that is bonded to a fabric to create a laminated fabric. Laminated fabrics are often used in sportswear and other performance fabrics to provide waterproofing, breathability, or other enhanced properties.

**Membrane #

** A thin, porous layer of material that is often used in laminated fabrics to provide waterproofing and breathability. Membranes are designed to allow water vapor to pass through, while preventing liquid water from entering.

**Moisture Management #

** The ability of a fabric to absorb, transport, and release moisture. Moisture management is an important property for sportswear and other performance fabrics, as it helps to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.

**Nanotechnology #

** The use of materials and processes at the nanoscale (1-100 nanometers) to create new or enhanced products. In the context of functional finishes and coatings, nanotechnology is often used to create materials with improved performance properties, such as enhanced waterproofing, breathability, or durability.

**Polyurethane (PU) Coating #

** A type of coating that is often used to make fabrics waterproof and breathable. PU coatings are made from a polymer that is applied to the fabric in a liquid form and then cured to create a solid, flexible layer.

**Resin #

** A type of material that is often used in coatings and laminates. Resins are typically applied to fabrics in a liquid form and then cured to create a solid, durable layer.

**Silicone Coating #

** A type of coating that is often used to make fabrics water-repellent and easy to clean. Silicone coatings are made from a synthetic polymer that is applied to the fabric in a liquid form and then cured to create a solid, flexible layer.

**Stretch Fabric #

** A fabric that has the ability to stretch and recover. Stretch fabrics are often used in sportswear and other performance fabrics to provide a comfortable, close fit.

**Thermoregulation #

** The ability of a fabric to help regulate the temperature of the wearer. Thermoregulation is an important property for sportswear and other performance fabrics, as it helps to keep the wearer comfortable in a wide range of temperatures.

**Ultraviolet Protection (UPF) Finish #

** A type of finish that is applied to fabrics to protect the wearer from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UPF finishes are often used in sportswear and other performance fabrics to protect the wearer from skin damage and other negative effects of UV exposure.

**Waterproof Finish #

** A type of finish that is applied to fabrics to make them waterproof, meaning that they will not allow water to pass through. Waterproof finishes are often used in sportswear and other performance fabrics to keep the wearer dry in wet conditions.

**Water Repellent Finish #

** A type of finish that is applied to fabrics to make them water-repellent, meaning that they will cause water to bead up and roll off the fabric rather than soaking in. Water repellent finishes are often used in sportswear and other performance fabrics to enhance their water-resistance and protect the wearer from wet conditions.

**Wicking #

** The ability of a fabric to absorb and transport moisture away from the skin. Wicking is an important property for sportswear and other performance fabrics, as it helps to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.

**Zinc Oxide Finish #

** A type of finish that is applied to fabrics to provide UV protection. Zinc oxide is a mineral that is highly effective at blocking UV rays, making it a popular choice for sun-protective fabrics.