chp. 8: Synthetic Fibers

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to synthetic fibers, their properties, history, and applications in textiles.

Synthetic Fibers

Fibers produced from synthetic polymers made from basic raw materials.

Heat Sensitivity

The capacity of synthetic fibers to be affected by heat.

Thermoplastic

A characteristic of synthetic fibers that allows them to be molded when heated.

High Tenacity

A property of filament fibers that indicates they can withstand high tension without breaking.

Pilling

The formation of small balls of fiber on the surface of fabrics, often seen in staple-length fibers.

Static Electricity

The generation of static and static cling in synthetic fibers.

Oleophilic

A property of synthetic fibers that indicates they attract and hold oils.

Heat Setting

The process of stabilizing the shape of synthetic fibers under heat.

Nylon

The first synthetic fiber developed in the United States, invented by DuPont in 1938.

Polyester

The second synthetic fiber and the most widely used fiber in the U.S.

Olefin

A synthetic fiber known for its durability and resistance to moisture.

Acrylic

A synthetic fiber used as a wool substitute and introduced by DuPont in 1950.

Thermoplasticity

The ability of a manufactured fiber to be softened and reshaped by heat.

Acetate

The first thermoplastic fiber, used in various textiles.

Polyamide

A long-chain synthetic polymer forming the basis of nylon.

Filament

A single thread of fiber or substance that can be twisted together to make yarn.

Staple

Short lengths of fibers used to create yarns.

Multifilament

A yarn or fiber composed of multiple continuous filaments.

Monofilament

A yarn or fiber made from a single filament.

Hydrophilic

Substance or fibers that are attracted to water.

Crude Oil

The raw material from which many synthetic fibers are derived.

Luster

The shine or sheen of a fabric, which can vary from bright to dull.

Durability

The ability of a fiber to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.

Resiliency

The ability of a fabric to return to its original shape after deformation.

Elongation

The ability of a fiber to stretch without breaking.

Abrasion Resistance

The ability of a fiber to withstand surface wear from rubbing.

Wind Resistant

A characteristic of certain fibers that prevents wind from penetrating.

High dimensional stability

The ability of a fiber to maintain its shape and size over time.

Fades in sunlight

The tendency of certain fibers to lose color when exposed to UV light.

Soiling

The tendency of fibers to pick up dirt and grime.

Soil Removal

The method of cleaning fibers from soil and stains.

Functional Properties

The characteristics that determine the performance of a fabric in specific uses.

Consumer Products

Items made from synthetic fibers, such as clothing and upholstery.

Lingerie

A use of nylon fabric known for its smooth texture.

Carpets

Floor coverings often made from various synthetic fibers.

Textile Swatch Kit

A collection of fabric samples used for identification and comparison.

Dacron®

A brand name for polyester fabric developed by DuPont.

Polarfleece®

A recycled polyester textile used for weather-resistant clothing.

Hydrophilic

Fibers that are water-absorbing.

Olefin Chains

The repeating units in the structure of olefin fibers.

Acrylic Yarn

A type of fiber used for knitting and crafting.

Flame Resistant

A property of certain fibers that prevents ignition.

Microfibers

Extremely fine synthetic fibers used in various fabrics.

Ropes

Strong, thick fibers used for pulling or securing.

Recyclable

The capability of a material to be processed and used again.

Care Instructions

Guidelines for the proper maintenance of textile fibers.

Pilling Resistance

The measure of how fibers withstand the formation of pills.

Textile Manufacturing

The process of converting raw fibers into fabric.

Eco-friendly fibers

Fibers made from renewable sources that are environmentally sustainable.

Garneting

The process of tearing apart synthetic fabrics to recycle them.

Thermal Retention

The ability of fibers to retain heat.

Resistant to sunlight

Fibers that do not degrade easily when exposed to UV light.

Stain Resistant

A property that prevents stains from bonding to the fiber.

Herculon®

A brand of olefin fabric used in upholstery.

Verel®

A modacrylic fiber known for its flame-resistant properties.

Aesthetics

The visual and tactile appeal of a fabric.

Sustainable Practices

Methods used in textile production that minimize environmental impact.

Modacrylic

A synthetic fiber that is flame resistant and used for children's sleepwear.

Fleece

A soft fabric typically made from polyester or acrylic fibers.

Blankets

Textiles used for warmth and comfort.

Geotextiles

Fabrics used in civil engineering projects for stabilization.

Water-Resistant

The ability of fibers to repel water.

Bicomponent fibers

Fibers composed of two different polymers.

Self-extinguishing fibers

Fibers that do not continue to burn once a flame source is removed.

Fibers' Aesthetic Properties

The sensory attributes that describe how fabrics look and feel.

Advanced Textiles

Innovatively designed textiles with enhanced performance features.

Filtration Fabrics

Fabrics designed to filter particles from liquids or gases.