textile science

3. GENERAL PROPERTIES OF FIBERS

i.                    Tenacity

They must possess sufficient strength to be worked on and processed by machine.

ii.                  Abrasion resistance

Ability of a fiber to withstand the rubbing in everyday use

iii.                Flexibility /Pliability

ü  Ability of the fibers to bend without breaking.

ü  Fibers must be pliable in order to form yarns, fabrics that can be creased and have quality of draperbility and ability to move with the body.

iv.                Elastic recovery

Ability of fibers to recover from strain, coming back to its original shape i.e. Ability of the fiber to return to original length after tension that produced elongation and after the fiber has been released.

v.                  Elongation

 The ability to be stretched or lengthened.

Benefits of stretch in fabric during wear

-          Comfort

-          Greater freedom of motion

-          Ductility i.e. material can change shape without breaking

-          Durability

-          Stretch fabrics give best fit

 

vi.                Stiffness / rigidity

Opposite of flexibility is the resistance to bending or creasing.

vii.              Cohesiveness/Spinning quality

Ability of the fiber to stick together in the yarn    manufacturing processes

viii.            Uniformity

The fibers must be similar in length and width in the spinning quality and flexibility

ix.                Lustre

Refer to the gloss / shine, that fiber possess

Determines the fiber’s brightness/dullness

x.                  Color

ü  Natural color of fibers varies from pure white to grey and black

ü  Natural fibers exhibit the greatest color differences

ü  Man-made fibers are usually white or off- white as they are manufactured

 

xi.                Moisture regain and absorption

This is the ability of a fiber to take in moisture from air given the standard condition or temperature and moisture. Sometimes called hydrophilic or hygroscopic. 

ü  Fibers have a certain amount of water as an integral part of their structure

ü  Fibers with good moisture regain will accept dyes and finishes more readily than those with low moisture regain

 

xii.              Dye ability

Ability of fibers to readily accept dyes.

 

xiii.            Resiliency

Ability of a fiber to return to shape following compression, bending or similar deformation

xiv.            Flammability and thermal reactions

The burning characteristics of fibers are important in determining care and use of textile products.

xv.              Thermo-plasticity

Ability of fibers to soften and be molded under application of heat.

xvi.            Versatility

Ability of a fiber to produce a wide range of products.

 

ASSIGNMENT 1: Learners to draw the classification table of fibers

 

                            Differences between Natural and Man-Made Fibers

Natural fibers	Man-made fibers
·         Have a high affinity for dyes	·         Have a low affinity for dyes
·         Fabric wrinkles unless any finishing is given	·         Less wrinkles after washing and wearing
·         Good conductors of heat	·         They melt with hot or ironic touch with hot objects.
·         Less susceptible to mildew hence damp clothes should not be stored.	·         Highly resistant to moths, mildew and insects.
·         High water absorbency: Comfortable for summer wears, good for towel, hand kerchief and diapers	·         Low moisture absorption: Easily washable and easy spot removing.
·         Exists naturally	·         They are made by man
·         Burns freely with smoke and afterglow which forms a grey feathery ash	·         Readily burns and melts giving a distinct plastic burning odor.