Everyday Materials

Thread

The “inventor” of the cotton sewing thread was Henna Wilkinson from Rhode Island in 1793, who was the first American woman to ever gain a patent in her country. The thread she used did not sew very well, but she did become credited as the inventor of the cotton sewing thread. While Wilkinson is the accredited patent inventor, thread has existed since early humans have first sewn clothing.
Thread can be either animal, plant, or synthetic, depending on the origin. The process of making thread involves the material being twisted with two or more plys of yarn.
The cotton fibers used in thread are biodegradable, yet different manufacturers can integrate nonorganic aspects into their thread such as polyester.
Properties:
Durability
Elasticity
Consistency
Flexible
Absorption

Capabilities:
Sewing fabric together
Mending tears in fabric
Adding and securing buttons
Embroidery
Retaining ink used for tattooing
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Needles

In 1755, Charles Frederick Wiesenthal, was awarded the first British patent for a sewing needle with an eye at one end. However, like thread, needles had been around since ancient times, typically having been made out of bone or wood, unlike modern needles which are typically made from carbon steel wire and are nickel or 18k gold-plated to combat corrosion.
In the tenth century, needle making experienced a breakthrough with the arrival of high-quality steelmaking technology, with a process known as drawing.
For modern needles, while they are typically made out of materials that are perfectly capable of being recycled, to throw away needles such as medical or syringe needles, they must be disposed of by putting the needles face down in a labeled container for sharp objects or blades.
Properties:
Sharpness
Shape
Purpose
Versatile

Capabilities:
Knitting
Sewing
Injection
Upholstery
Embroidery

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Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil replaced tin in 1910, when the first aluminum foil rolling plant in Switzerland. The aluminum foil replaced tin foil after World War II due to being cheaper and more durable.
The process of making aluminum foil involves constantly casting the aluminum onto a roller, with beta radiation used to make sure the foil is at the desired thickness, which can be adjusted by the pressure given by the rollers.
Some aluminum foil products can be recycled at around 5 percent the original energy cost, however, many laminates aren’t recycled due to difficulties in separating the components and the low yield of aluminum metal.
Properties:
Electrical Resistivity
Thermal Conductivity
Impermeability
Non-absorbency
Hygiene

Capabilities:
Storing food
Shape retention
Heat conductor
Packaging food
Insulation

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