JP2004019031A - Composite yarn capable of being dyed in various colors and flat yarn capable of being used for the same and fabric using them - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a highly heavy flat yarn which has a mellow rust-like metal gloss, and to provide a composite yarn which uses the flat yarns and can be variegated in different colors. <P>SOLUTION: This flat yarn is produced by adhering a sheet B to the metal thin film of a laminate so that a polyamide film is placed on the outside of the flat yarn. The sheet B is produced by forming a resin layer on the transparent polyamide film having a haze value of ≤5 and has a haze value of 20 to 70. The laminate is produced by forming a metal thin film on the resin layer of a sheet A which is produced by forming the resin film on one side of a transparent polyamide film having a haze value of ≤5 and has a haze value of 20 to 70. Herein, a metal thin film may also be formed on the resin layer of the sheet B. The flat yarns are twisted with other fibers to form a composite yarn, and the mixing ratio of the flat yarns in the composite yarn is preferably 5 to 50%. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is capable of scouring and dyeing, and a composite yarn capable of being dyed in various ways while maintaining a very elegant metallic luster, that is, a rust-like metallic luster, with a suppressed metallic luster by a combination of dyes, and can be used for it. The present invention relates to a flat yarn and a fabric using the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Composite yarns that can be dyed while maintaining a metallic luster and fabrics using the same are conventionally known (see Japanese Patent Nos. 2889665 and 32229656).
And the conventional one uses a flat yarn formed by forming a tin thin film on one side of a polyamide film or a laminate in which a metal vapor deposition layer is provided on one side of a nylon film, and has a metallic luster. .
[0003]
However, the above-mentioned flat yarns and laminates used for the conventional dyeable composite yarn and the fabric using the same are all those that look at the metallic luster from the film side. And the reflection of the light on the surface of the tin thin film or the surface of the metal deposition layer on the inside of the film were combined, resulting in a specular glossy and glittery, non-productive, weightless, metallic luster. .
[0004]
Accordingly, there has been a long-felt need for a composite yarn which can be dyed in various ways and has a very elegant metallic luster with suppressed metallic luster, that is, a rust-like metallic luster, and a fabric using the same.
In particular, each side has a smooth, rust-like metallic luster with a fine and uniform texture, instead of a specular glossy and shiny metallic luster, and each side has a weighted metallic luster. Dyeable composite yarns using yarns or slit yarns can be obtained in a variety of various modes. Therefore, fabrics using such composite yarns have a wide range of applications and have been particularly desired.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention eliminates the conventional drawbacks as described above, and the two sides each have a rust-like metallic luster with a fine and uniform texture, instead of a specular glossy and glaring metallic luster, and , Yarns using flat yarns with heavy metallic luster on both sides, respectively, composite yarns that can be naturally dyed according to various dyeing methods and dyeing conditions, flat yarns that can be used for the yarns, and flavors using them An object of the present invention is to provide a certain dyeable fabric.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, a composite yarn formed by twisting a plurality of yarns that can be dyed in different colors under normal pressure dyeing conditions is used as at least one of the yarns, and a resin layer is formed on one surface of a transparent polyamide film having a haze value of 5 or less. A haze value of a transparent polyamide film having a haze value of 5 or less was formed on a metal thin film of a laminate in which a metal thin film was formed on the resin layer of the sheet A having a haze value of 20 to 70. A flat yarn obtained by laminating a sheet B having a value of 20 to 70 with an adhesive so that the polyamide film is on the outside, and twisting the flat yarn with at least one kind of natural or chemical fiber yarn. The above problem was solved by using a yarn.
In addition, the flat yarn has a smooth and rust-like metallic luster on both sides, each having a fine and uniform texture, and the surface of the polyamide film present on both outer sides is smooth. The resulting flat yarn has a certain metallic luster.
That is, the flat yarn of the present invention is different from a so-called matte metallic luster in which a metal thin film is formed on a substrate having an uneven surface, and reflects light rays on the metal thin film surface inside a sheet having a haze value of 20 to 70. Due to this, both sides have not only a metallic luster with a specular gloss but also a shiny metallic luster, but a fine, uniform and calm rust-like metallic luster, and at the same time the surface of the polyamide film present on both outer sides The combination of the reflection of the light beam and the reflection of the light beam on the metal thin film surface inside the film results in a flat yarn having a very heavy metallic luster. Moreover, since the texture has a fine and uniform calm rust-like metallic luster, it can be applied to the composite yarn as a dyeable yarn having a natural metallic luster appearance. . In addition, a fabric using the composite yarn or the flat yarn as a part of the structure can be finished into a product having a calm and noble appearance.
[0007]
As the polyamide film used for producing such a flat yarn, any of conventionally known polyamide films such as a nylon 6 film and a nylon 66 film can be used.
The thickness of the polyamide film is preferably from 6 to 30 μm, particularly preferably from about 6 to 15 μm, in order to obtain a flat yarn having a good texture, and if the thickness exceeds 30 μm, the texture becomes very hard and the texture becomes extremely poor. The thinner it is, the easier it is to cut.
[0008]
The resin layer formed on one side of the polyamide film may be formed of an appropriate resin such as a polyester resin, an epoxy resin, or a urethane-based resin, and has a thickness of about 0.1 to 3 μm, particularly about 0.3 to 1 μm. Preferably it is.
Further, it is preferable to use a polyamide film having a smooth and glossy surface at least on the side where the resin layer is not formed.
[0009]
The resin layer is for preventing peeling of the metal thin film. When the thickness is less than 0.1 μm, the metal thin film is easily peeled and the metal thin film is easily corroded. On the other hand, when the thickness is more than 3 μm, the feeling of the flat yarn becomes poor, and the dyeing becomes uneven during dyeing.
[0010]
The resin layer is also for adjusting the haze value of the sheets A and B to 20 to 70. If the haze value of the sheets A and B located on both sides of the metal thin film is lower than 20, the texture is fine and uniform. It becomes difficult to obtain a calm, rust-like metallic luster, and the metallic luster becomes a specular gloss and a glittery metallic luster. Conversely, if the haze value is higher than 70, the metallic luster itself disappears, and a calm, rust-like metallic luster with fine and uniform texture cannot be obtained.
The haze value of the sheets A and B is preferably 25 to 65, and most preferably 30 to 60.
[0011]
In order to set the haze value of the sheets A and B to 20 to 70, the resin layer formed on one surface of the polyamide film is formed by mixing a resin mixed with an inorganic powder such as a white pigment powder (for example, a titanium oxide powder and / or a white carbon powder). Preferably, it is a layer.
The mixing amount and type of the white pigment powder and the like can be appropriately selected from the haze values of the finished sheets A and B of 20 to 70.
[0012]
The sheets A and B having a desired haze value can be obtained by controlling the mixing amount and type of the white pigment powder and the like, and the conditions at the time of compounding the paint for forming the resin layer. When the haze value of the sheets A and B is set to 20 to 70, by providing a metal thin film on the resin layer, the metal gloss as viewed from the polyamide film side is not a metallic luster that is specular and glaring, The texture is fine and uniform, giving a calm rust-like metallic luster.
The flat yarn of the present invention has not only a fine and uniform texture on both sides, but also a calm rust-like metallic luster, and the surface of the polyamide film on both sides is smooth. The reflection of the light beam on the surface of the film and the reflection of the light beam on the metal thin film surface inside the film combine to make the flat yarn itself a non-glittering flat yarn having a very heavy metallic luster.
[0013]
Next, the metal thin film formed on the resin layer of the sheet A (and the sheet B as necessary) having a haze value of 20 to 70 is formed by a known thin film forming method such as vacuum deposition, sputtering, or ion plating. Any of them may be formed.
The thickness of the metal thin film is preferably about 30 to 100 nm, particularly preferably about 40 to 80 nm. If the thickness is less than 30 nm, the metallic luster is insufficient, and if it is more than 100 nm, the adhesion tends to be weak.
Examples of the metal used for the metal thin film include tin, aluminum, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, lead, titanium, indium, gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. In consideration of the calmness of the metallic luster, the weight of the metallic luster, and the corrosion resistance, tin and aluminum are most preferable. Gold, silver, platinum, palladium and the like are preferred for high-grade applications.
Also, metal alloys and compounds can be used for the metal thin film.
[0014]
The flat yarn of the present invention is obtained by forming a protective film on a metal thin film formed on a resin layer of the sheet A (and, if necessary, the sheet B) with an appropriate resin such as a polyamide resin, a polyester resin, or an epoxy resin. It may be provided.
[0015]
As described above, the flat yarn of the present invention is obtained by forming a resin layer on one surface of a transparent polyamide film having a haze value of 5 or less, and laminating a metal thin film on the resin layer of the sheet A having a haze value of 20 to 70. A sheet B having a resin layer formed on one surface of a transparent polyamide film having a haze value of 5 or less and a haze value of 20 to 70 on a metal thin film of a body is bonded with an adhesive such that the polyamide film is on the outside. And a metal thin film may be formed on the resin layer of the sheet B. However, when any flat yarn is used, from the viewpoint of the feeling, the entire flat yarn is used. It is preferable that the thickness does not exceed 60 μm, and it is particularly preferable that the total thickness of the flat yarn is 33 μm or less.
As described above, since the polyamide film constituting the flat yarn has a haze value of 5 or less and the outer surface is smooth, the reflection of light on the polyamide film surface and the reflection of light on the metal thin film surface inside the film are performed. Reflection of light rays, that is, reflection of light rays on the surface of the metal thin film inside the sheets A and B having a haze value of 20 to 70 is combined with the flat yarn, which has a fine and uniform texture and has a calm rust-like metallic luster. It will be. That is, it is possible to provide a flat yarn having a very elegant and heavy metallic luster.
[0016]
As described above, the flat yarn of the present invention includes the sheets A and B having a haze value of 20 to 70 on both outer sides, and a transparent polyamide film having a haze value of 5 or less exists on both outer sides. The haze values of the outer sheets A and B may be the same or different as long as they are between 20 and 70, preferably between 25 and 65, and most preferably between 30 and 60.
When the difference between the haze values of the outer sheets A and B exceeds about 20, the flat yarn tends to have a different rust tone on one side and the other side. If the difference between the haze values of the outer sheets A and B is within approximately 20, the flat yarn has a similar rust on one side and the other side. In each case, the flat yarn has a calm, rust-like metallic luster with a fine and uniform texture on each side, instead of a specular glossy and shiny metallic luster on each side. is there.
Further, after dyeing, both sides are flat yarns each having a weighted colored metallic luster.
[0017]
In addition, the flat yarn is manufactured by slitting a film laminated product which is bonded with an adhesive as described above, and the width thereof is preferably about 0.1 to 2.5 mm. If the width is less than 0.1 mm, it is too thin and easily cut, and if it is more than 2.5 mm, it is too thick and hard to feel.
[0018]
Further, in the present application, a fabric using the flat yarn as described above for at least a part of the fabric structure is also an object of the invention. However, the fabric uses these yarns for at least a part of the ground structure of a woven or knitted fabric. May be used, or may be partially used as a picture weft thread, an embroidery thread, or the like.
[0019]
Next, the yarn used in combination with such a flat yarn may be any yarn as long as it can be dyed at normal pressure and normal temperature (50 to 100 ° C.), for example, a polyester fiber that can be dyed with a cation, Acrylic fiber (cationic dyeable), rayon (direct dyeable, reactive dyeable), polyamide fiber (acidic dyeable), wool (acidic dyeable), silk (acidic dyeable), etc. can all be used. The fiber may be a modified cross-section yarn or a hollow fiber, or may be a long fiber yarn or a short fiber yarn.
[0020]
The ratio of the flat yarn in the composite yarn of the present invention is not particularly limited, but the mixing ratio of the flat yarn in the composite yarn is preferably 5 to 50%, particularly preferably about 10 to 30%. If it is less than 5%, the metallic luster will be lacking, and if it exceeds 50%, it will be too hard and the feel will be poor.
[0021]
The twisting method in the production of such a composite yarn of the present invention is not limited, and examples thereof include hagoromo twisting, tusk twisting, ring twisting, bellows twisting, round twisting, spinning twisting using a flat yarn as a core yarn, and the like. .
In order to post-dye the composite yarn, a fixed twist is preferred. Therefore, it is preferable that the type (number of yarns) of the yarns used is large. Further, double twisting using three yarns or triple twisting using four yarns is preferable to single twisting using two yarns, and double twisting is particularly preferable.
The number of twists is preferably about 250 to 1500 turns / m, particularly preferably about 300 to 1200 turns / m. If the number of twists is less than 250 turns / m, the dyeing will be coarse, and if it exceeds 1500 turns / m, the dyeing will be too fine and the dyeing will be unclear. In addition, uneven dyeing is liable to occur, and the calm rust-like metallic luster with fine and uniform texture is reduced. The number of twists is the number of twists between the flat yarn and the yarn that is directly twisted.
In particular, when the number of twists is 300 to 1200 times / m, there is no uneven dyeing, and fine and uniform texture of rust-like metallic luster can be obtained.
[0022]
The composite yarn may be dyed in the state of a yarn, or may be dyed when dyeing a fabric formed using the yarn. In any case, by appropriately selecting the dyeing conditions and the dyeing method, one composite yarn can be dyed into a natural color as a whole without causing the presence of the film, and the haze value is 5 or less. Sheets A and B having a haze value of 20 to 70 in which a resin layer in which a white pigment powder or the like is mixed on one side of a polyamide film are combined with a metallic luster by a metal thin film to produce a glittering metallic luster due to a mirror gloss. Without this, it is possible to obtain a fine and uniform texture having a calm rust-like metallic luster.
In addition, since the metal gloss effect is such that both outer surfaces of the polyamide film constituting the flat yarn are smooth, the reflection of light on the film surface and the reflection of light on the metal thin film surface inside the film are reduced. Together, they can be non-glittering and have a very heavy metallic luster effect.
The dyeable composite yarn according to the present invention can, of course, dye the flat yarn and the yarn used in combination with the flat yarn in different colors, respectively. The dyeing can be performed in the same color, and the color of each yarn constituting the composite yarn can be appropriately selected.
And, as described above, the flat yarn not only has a calm rust-like metallic luster on both sides on each side, but also has a very heavy metallic luster. Even when at least one of the yarns used in combination therewith is dyed in the same color, the flat yarn itself has a very elegant and heavy metallic luster.
[0023]
In the present application, a dyeable fabric using the composite yarn as described above for at least a part of the fabric structure is also an object of the present invention. However, the fabric is formed by using the composite yarn as described above in the ground structure of a woven or knitted fabric. It may be used at least partially, or may be used partially as a picture weft or embroidery thread.
[0024]
In the present invention, for example, it is also possible to dye the yarns constituting the composite yarn in different colors to finish them in iridescent colors or to make them blur-dyed in the same color. A dyed fabric rich in color can also be obtained. Further, a crepe fabric is manufactured using this composite yarn, and has a fine and uniform texture of a calm rust-like metallic luster and a very heavy metallic luster effect, and is beautifully dyed. Good crepe can also be obtained.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited by these examples.
(Method of measuring sheet haze value)
Using a haze meter (NDH-300A manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Co., Ltd.), the measurement was performed according to JIS-K-7105, with the film surface side as the light source side.
[0026]
【Example】
Examples 1 to 7
(1) Production of Flat Yarn A white carbon (manufactured by Nippon Silica Kogyo Co., Ltd.) was mixed into one surface of a transparent polyamide film (biaxially stretched film of nylon 6) having a haze value of 3 and a thickness of 12 μm. A resin layer having a thickness of 0.7 μm was formed from the obtained polyester / urethane resin, and seven types of sheets A having haze values of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60, respectively, were obtained.
Next, a tin thin film having a thickness of 50 nm was formed on the resin layer of each of the obtained sheets A by vacuum evaporation.
Next, on the tin thin film, the resin layer surfaces of the seven types of sheets B having the same haze value obtained in the same manner as described above were bonded with a urethane-based adhesive, and the sheets A on both sides were slit. , B having the same haze value and seven types of flat yarn (approximately 70 denier) having a width of about 0.3 mm in which a polyamide film having a smooth surface exists on both outer sides.
(2) Manufacture of composite yarns With a focus on each flat yarn obtained in (1), a 120 denier cationic dyeable polyester yarn (manufactured by Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.) and a 75 denier rayon yarn (Kuraray Co., Ltd.) were obtained. Each of them was double-twisted at a twist number of 350 times / m to obtain seven types of composite yarns. The mixing ratio of the flat yarns was about 20%.
In addition, Examples 1 to 7 were made in order of the haze values of the sheets A and B from the smaller one.
(3) Dyeing each of the composite yarns of (2) in a dye bath using a mixture of a yellow acid dye, a blue cationic dye, and a red direct dye, all of the flat yarns were glazed with specular gloss. Rather like a shiny metallic luster, the texture is fine and uniform, it has a calm rust-like gold color, the polyester yarn is blue, the rayon yarn is red, and as a result, each composite yarn has an iridescent yarn as a whole This gave a calm, rust-like gold color with a fine and uniform texture.
Also, each flat yarn of rust-like gold color with fine and uniform texture is smooth on both sides, so that the light reflection on the flat yarn surface, that is, the film surface, and the inside of the film, that is, each predetermined haze, The value was reflected by the reflection of light on the surface of the tin thin film inside the sheets A and B, and the metallic luster was not eccentric and very heavy.
[0027]
Example 8
A sheet having a haze value of 60 was used as the sheet A on which the tin thin film was formed, and a sheet B having a haze value of 30 was used as the sheet B to be bonded thereto, in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 7.
After dyeing, the flat yarn had a different rust tone on one side and the other one side, but on each side, the texture was fine and uniform, instead of a specular glossy and shiny metallic luster. It has a calm, rust-like gold color, the polyester yarn is blue, the rayon yarn is red, and as a whole, it is an iridescent yarn, with a fine, uniform, rust-like gold color. It became.
Also, the calm rust-like gold flat yarn with a fine and uniform texture had a very heavy metallic luster since both surfaces were smooth.
[0028]
Example 9
(1) Production of flat yarn Thickness of epoxy / urethane resin mixed with titanium oxide (manufactured by Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd.) on one side of a transparent polyamide film (biaxially stretched film of nylon 6) having a haze value of 3 and a thickness of 15 μm. A resin layer having a thickness of 1.0 μm was formed to obtain a sheet having a haze value of 50, and then two aluminum thin films having a thickness of 50 nm were formed on the resin layer by vacuum evaporation. Each of the sheets A and B on the outer side is the same in haze value, and the width on both sides is smooth about 0.2 mm. (About 54 denier).
(2) Production of composite yarn The flat yarn obtained in (1) and two 70-denier silk yarns were double-twisted at a twist of 450 times / m. The mixing ratio of the flat yarn was about 22.5%.
(3) Dyeing The composite yarn of (2) is woven, the resulting woven fabric is scoured with silk, and the whole is dyed in a dye bath containing a pink acid dye at 90 ° C. for 40 minutes, and then half of the woven fabric is dyed. Was dyed in a dye bath containing a blue acid dye at 90 ° C. for 40 minutes. As a result, the woven fabric is dyed pink and blue, and the boundary is an elegant dyed fabric with a pink and blue blur dyeing, and the metal luster of the flat yarn is fine and uniform throughout. With a calm rust-like metallic luster, it has a rust-like metallic luster that matches the pink and blue ground colors.
The calm, flat, rust-like metallic luster with a fine and uniform texture had a very heavy metallic luster because both surfaces were smooth.
[0029]
[Comparative example]
Comparative Example 1
Same as Examples 1 to 7, except that the haze value of sheets A and B obtained according to Examples 1 to 7 was 15, and the haze values of both outer sheets A and B were the same and the flat yarn was 15. did.
After dyeing, the flat yarn has metallic luster, specular luster and glittering gold color, polyester yarn is blue, rayon yarn is red, and as a whole, the metallic color of the iridescent yarn is fine and glittering It glowed.
Comparative Example 2
The haze value of the sheets A and B obtained according to Examples 1 to 7 was set to 75, and the sheet A and B on both outer sides were flat yarns having the same haze value of 75, except that they were flat yarns. did.
After dyeing, the flat yarn became yellow in which metallic luster did not appear, the polyester yarn became blue, and the rayon yarn became red, and as a whole, it became an iridescent yarn having no metallic luster.
[0030]
【The invention's effect】
The composite yarn of the present invention can easily dye the constituent yarn, that is, the flat yarn, at normal pressure and normal temperature (50 to 100 ° C.). Therefore, even in the state of yarn and after weaving, various colors can be dyed in various colors by various dyeing methods or dyeing conditions.
Then, the dyed product has a natural color tone and texture that does not make the presence of the polyamide film feel, and has a lame effect with a natural and elegant metallic luster according to the dyeing.
The flat yarn of the present invention is a flat yarn having a smooth and rust-like metallic luster on both sides, each having a fine and uniform texture, and a flat yarn having a very heavy metallic luster because both sides have a smooth surface. In addition, natural dyeing is possible by various dyeing methods and dyeing conditions.
That is, the flat yarn of the present invention is different from a so-called matte metallic luster in which a metal thin film is formed on a substrate having an uneven surface, and the both sides are not mirror-like and glittery metallic luster, but are fine and uniform in texture. In addition to having a calm, rust-like metallic luster, the metallic luster is very heavy since both surfaces are smooth.
In other words, the flat yarn of the present invention has a haze value of 20 to 70, and the light is reflected on the metal thin film surface inside the sheet, and the two sides are not shiny metallic luster, but have a fine texture. While having a uniform calm rust-like metallic luster, the reflection of light rays on the surface of the smooth polyamide film present on both sides, and the reflection of light rays on the surface of the metal thin film inside the film Combined with a flat yarn with a very heavy metallic luster.
Therefore, the dyed product of the composite yarn using the flat yarn and the fabric using the flat yarn has a natural color tone and feeling that does not feel the presence of the polyamide film, and according to the dyeing, the texture is fine and uniform. The metallic luster has a rust-like metallic luster, and the metallic luster effect has a very heavy metallic luster effect because both surfaces are smooth.
Fabrics using the composite yarn of the present invention can be finished into products having various colors and patterns only by changing the dyeing conditions by post-dyeing. Economically possible.
In the fabric using the flat yarn of the present invention, the flat yarn of the present invention is very flat because both sides are fine and uniform and have a calm rust-like metallic luster, and both outer surfaces have a smooth surface. Since the flat yarn has a heavy metallic luster, it has a natural color tone and feeling that does not make the presence of the polyamide film feel, and has a glitter effect with a natural and elegant metallic luster.

Claims (9)

Under normal pressure dyeing conditions, a plurality of yarns that can be dyed in different colors are twisted, and at least one of the yarns
The transparent polyamide film having a haze value of 5 or less has a resin layer formed on one surface and a haze value of 20 to 70. Using a flat yarn obtained by laminating a sheet B having a haze value of 20 to 70 in which a resin layer is formed on one surface of the following transparent polyamide film with an adhesive such that the polyamide film is on the outside,
A dyeable composite yarn characterized by twisting the flat yarn with at least one kind of natural or chemical fiber yarn. The composite yarn according to claim 1, wherein a metal thin film is also formed on the resin layer of the sheet B. The composite yarn according to claim 1, wherein the resin layer is a resin layer in which titanium oxide powder and / or white carbon powder are mixed. The composite yarn according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a mixing ratio of the flat yarn in the composite yarn is 5 to 50%. The width of the flat yarn is 0.1 to 1.5 mm, the thickness of the polyamide film is 6 to 30 μm, and the thickness of the metal thin film is 30 to 100 nm. Composite yarn. The composite yarn according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flat yarn and another yarn are twisted by double twisting. The transparent polyamide film having a haze value of 5 or less has a resin layer formed on one surface and has a haze value of 20 to 70. A flat yarn obtained by laminating a sheet B having a haze value of 20 to 70 in which a resin layer is formed on one surface of the following transparent polyamide film with an adhesive so that the polyamide film is on the outside. The flat yarn according to claim 7, wherein a metal thin film is also formed on the resin layer of the sheet B. A fabric, wherein the composite yarn or the flat yarn according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is used for at least a part of a fabric structure.