STORAGE OF TEXTILE MATERIALS

It is necessary to know the general principles of care and storage of materials because they differ greatly in their resistance to damage such as moisture, heat, mildew, fungus, insects, and rodents. There are certain insects, however, that will eat almost anything; mice build nests in almost any kind of stored fabric material; and there are hundreds of fungus growths that thrive under moist tropical atmospheric conditions. Conditions in various parts of the world vary widely in regard to humidity, heat, or cold, and the presence of insects. Such conditions must be taken into account when you are storing and protecting materials. The following ideal storage conditions should be attained as nearly as possible: a dry room with temperature of 70F, absence of direct sunlight, a storage room construction that affords protection against insects and mice, wooden shelves for storage, and air conditioning or some other method of humidity control.

Now let's consider some of the characteristics of materials that you should know if you are to be responsible for keeping them in storage. Nylon absorbs very little water, dries quickly, is mildewproof, and is not affected by most ordinary oils, greases, or cleaning fluids. It is mothproof, and, because it is not an animal fiber like wool or silk, does not offer food to hungry insects. However, if insect larvae develop from eggs laid inside the folds of stored fabrics, they may eat their way out. Soiled or greasy spots in a fabric attract insects.

Soot and certain chemical fumes are highly injurious to nylon, and direct heat and exposure to the sun's rays seriously weaken it.

Rayon has many of the characteristics of nylon. It is more easily damaged by direct heat or the sun's rays and is more combustible than nylon. Rayon fabrics "take a set" (form a crease) more easily than other fabrics, and if left stored in folds for too long, they will form permanent creases.

Cotton fabrics, webbings, and tapes, unless treated, absorb water readily. They dry more slowly than synthetic fabrics and are more susceptible to mildew and fungus growth. Mildew should never be ignored because it seriously weakens cotton or other fabrics. Heat is less damaging to cotton than to the synthetics. Bugs or their larvae will eat cotton or use it to make cocoons or nests.

In all cases, fire is a constant threat to fabrics. Smoking should not be permitted where fabrics are handled or stored. The rayons are almost explosive when set afire. Nylon, although harder to ignite, will bum, but does not explode in the process. You should be careful to learn the storage problems peculiar to any specific locality or climatic conditions to ensure safe storage of these materials.

The construction and characteristics of various fabric products has been explained to give you some basis for the intelligent use and storage of these materials. Besides textile materials, you are required to use dopes, cements, and solvents in the daily performance of your duties as a fabrication and parachute specialist.