How fabrics are kept water safe, and why some methods work better than others.
This authoritative guide explains the science and practice of waterproofing fabrics, drawing on early 20th‑century techniques and patents. The second revised and enlarged edition, with twenty‑nine illustrations, surveys the materials, processes, and equipment used to protect textiles from dew, rain, and damp, while preserving their strength and flexibility.
The book focuses on the waterproofing of fabrics through chemical means, detailing how different impregnants and finishes interact with fibers. It covers preparation, impregnation, drying, and testing, and it also discusses the manufacture of tarpaulins and the role of patents in this evolving field. Readers will encounter a range of approaches, from aluminum-based and copper‑oxide systems to waxes and resins, with attention to safety, durability, and practical application.
- How tightly woven fabrics behave under waterproofing and how interstices are managed.
- Step‑by‑step processes for preparing and impregnating fabrics with various waterproofing agents.
- Methods for drying, finishing, and testing finished waterproof textiles.
- Historical overview of waterproofing patents and the practical manufacture of tarpaulins.
Ideal for engineers, designers, and historians of textile technology seeking a clear, practical history and guide to waterproofing fabrics.