Introduction to Textiles - Key Concepts and Definitions

Vocabulary flashcards covering core textile definitions, components of serviceability, performance assessment standards, sustainability factors, and applications from the lecture.

Textile

A term generally applied to fibers, yarns, fabrics, or products made from fibers, yarns, or fabrics.

Fiber

The fundamental unit used in the fabrication of textile yarns and fabrics, defined as any substance (natural or manufactured) with a high length-to-width ratio and suitable characteristics for being processed into fabric.

Yarn

An assemblage of fibers twisted or laid together so as to form a continuous strand that can be made into a textile fabric.

Fabric

A flexible planar substance constructed from solutions, fibers, yarns, fabrics, or any combination of these.

Finish

Any process used to convert gray goods (unfinished fabric) into finished fabric, such as soil repellent finishes, printing and dyeing, or flame retardant finishes.

Gray Goods

Unfinished fabric that has not yet undergone finishing processes.

Serviceability

The measure of a textile product's ability to meet consumers' needs and serve the purpose for which it is intended.

Aesthetics

A serviceability factor referring to the attractiveness or appearance of a textile product, including how it looks and feels.

Durability

A serviceability factor describing a textile product's ability to withstand use over time without wearing out sooner than expected.

Comfort and Safety

A serviceability factor involving heat, moisture, and air transfer, tactile hand, and safety during use.

Appearance Retention

A serviceability factor concerning how well a textile maintains its original appearance, shape, and resistance to wrinkles after care and use.

Sustainability

Practices and policies that reduce environmental pollution and do not exploit people or natural resources.

Three Pillars of Sustainability

The three key foundational components of sustainability: economic development, environmental protection, and social responsibility.

Nike Making App Impact Areas

The four environmental impact categories used by the app to rank materials: Chemistry, Energy/Greenhouse Gas, Water/Land, and Physical Waste.

Textile Manufacturing Cost Breakdown

The percentage cost distribution in textile production: Raw fibers ($23\%$), Yarn spinning ($18\%$), Weaving ($33\%$), and Finishing ($26\%$).

Performance

The way a textile or textile product responds to the environment and to use, which is evaluated when making product development decisions.

AATCC

American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists; an international association for textile professionals that establishes standard test methods for assessing textile performance.

ASTM

An organization that establishes standard test methods used to assess textile performance.

Legally Required Performance

Safety standards mandated by law, including the flammability of furnishings in public areas, flammability of children's sleepwear, and chemical restrictions (e.g., lead, phthalates) in children's products.

Quality

The sum total of product characteristics, including appearance, end use, performance, material interactions, consistency among identical products, and freedom from defects.

Turnout Gear

Specialized protective gear worn by firefighters to protect against heat and flame exposure.