Dissemination of IT for the Promotion of Materials Science (DoITPoMS)

DoITPoMS Micrograph Library Full Record for Micrograph 583

Full Record for Micrograph 583

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Micrograph no
583
Brief description
SEM image of Velcro (TM)
Keywords
nylon, polyester, polymer Link to MATTER Glossary entry for polymer, Velcro
Categories
Polymer
System
Nylon
Composition
Not specified
Standard codes
Reaction
Processing
Fibres of nylon and polyester are woven into the desired shape using traditional weaving techniques
Applications
Velcro forms a relatively strong joint which can be temporarily overcome by moderate tearing action. As such, it is used as a fastener in clothing, footwear and many other similar applications.
Sample preparation
The specimen has been sputter-coated with gold, to give a conducting surface
Technique
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Length bar
400 μm
Further information
Velcro is a system of hard polymer hooks and soft nylon loops, both woven into backing fabric. Inspired by the natural seed propagation mechanism used by some plants in the form of 'burrs', Velcro was invented in Switzerland in 1948 by George de Mestral.
Contributor
J A Curran
Organisation
Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge
Date
03/10/02
Licence for re-use
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International