Textiles - Chapter 2 Fiber Characteristics

natural fibers

fibers obtained from plants or animals

manufactured fibers

Artificial fibers; made from chemical solutions that are forced through tiny holes.

spinnerette

The device used to form filaments

dry spinning method

The fiber solution, mixed with a solvent, is forced through the spinnerette into warm air. The warm air helps evaporate the solvent, and the liquid stream hardens. Acetate and modacrylic are made in this manner.

wet spinning method

The solution is forced through the spinnerette into a liquid solution, in which the fiber solution streams harden into continuous filaments. This method makes acrylic and viscose rayon fibers.

melt spinning method

The solid material is melted into a liquid solution forced through the spinnerette and into cool air, where the liquid fiber streams harden into continuous filaments. Glass, nylon, polyester, and olefin fibers are made this way.

staple fibers

Fibers whose lengths are measure in inches

filament fibers

Fibers of longer length

crimp

The bends and twists along the length of a fiber.

flexibility

The capability of a fiber to bend quickly and repeatedly without breaking.

hand

the way a fiber, yarn, or fabric feels when handled.

luster

Refers to the light reflected from a surface.

pilling

The formation of groups of short or broken fibers on the surface of a fabric that is tangled together in the shape of a tiny ball.

hydrophobic fibers

Fibers that dislike water

hydrophilic fibers

Fibers that like water

resiliency

The capability of a material to spring back into shape after being creased, twisted, or distorted.

specific gravity

the ratio of the mass of the fiber to an equal volume of water at 39 F

Static electricity

the frictional electrical charge caused by rubbing together two dissimilar materials.

Epitropic fibers

fibers that conduct electricty

thermoplasticity

The ability of fibers to withstand heat exposure is an important factor affecting their suitability for many end users

abrasion resistance

The ability to resist wear from rubbing contributes to fabric durability.

fibrillation

The formation of unsightly splinters on the surface of the fabric.

chemical effects

Refers to the response of fibers when in contact with chemicals either during textile processing or during home or professional care or cleaning.

strength

A fiber’s ability to withstand stress.

cover

the ability to occupy an area.

elasticity

the ability to increase in length when under tension(elongation) and then return to the orginal length when released(recovery).

wicking

the ability of a fiber to transfer moisture from one section to another.

flammability

the ability to ignite or burn.

flammable fibers

Relatively easy to ignite and sustain combustion.

flame-resistant fiber

Have a relatively high ignition temperature and slow rate of burning.

flameproof fibers

will not burn

hygroscopic fibers

Fibers that absorb moisture without feeling damp.