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Full Record for Micrograph 583
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- Micrograph no
- 583
- Brief description
- SEM image of Velcro (TM)
- Keywords
- nylon, polyester, 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-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales