Eight characteristics of textile fibers

The properties of the fiber determine its quality characteristics and its suitability for specific application conditions. Standard tests and laboratory tests are generally used to measure and compare fiber properties.

First, the wear fastness

Wear fastness refers to the ability to resist the friction of wearing, which helps to improve the durability of the fabric. Workwear made of fibers with high breaking strength and good abrasion fastness is durable for a long time and will show signs of wear and tear for a long time.

Nylon is widely used in casual jackets such as ski jackets and football blouses. This is because its strength and wear fastness are very good. Acetate fibers are often used in the lining of outerwear and jackets due to their excellent drape and low cost. However, due to the poor wear resistance of the acetate fiber, the lining is prone to wear or form a hole before the outer fabric of the jacket is worn.

Second, water absorption

Water absorption is the ability to absorb moisture, which is usually expressed in terms of moisture regain. The water absorption of the fiber refers to the percentage of moisture extracted from the air of the dried fiber at a temperature of 70 °F (corresponding to 21 ° C) and a relative humidity of 65%.

The easily water absorbing fibers are called hydrophilic fibers. All natural animal and plant fibers and two rayon fibers - viscose and acetate fibers are hydrophilic fibers. Fibers that have difficulty in absorbing water or that can only extract a small amount of water are called hydrophobic fibers. Except for viscose, Lyocell and acetate fibers, all rayon fibers are hydrophobic fibers. Glass fibers do not absorb water at all, and other fibers usually have a moisture regain of 4% or less.

The water absorption of fibers affects many of its applications, including:

Skin comfort: Due to poor water absorption, the flow of sweat can cause a cold and wet feeling.

Electrostaticity: Accommodating problems such as clothing sticking and sparking accompanying hydrophobic fibers, because there is almost no moisture to assist in evacuating charged particles accumulated on the surface of the fibers, and dust is also carried to the fibers and adhered thereto due to static electricity.

Dimensional stability after washing: After washing, the hydrophobic fiber shrinks less than the hydrophilic fiber, and the fiber seldom expands, which is one of the reasons for the shrinkage of the fabric.

Decontamination: It is very simple to remove stains from hydrophilic fibers because the fibers will inhale both the cleaner and the water.

Water repellency: Hydrophilic fibers are usually subjected to more water repellent and durable post treatment because this chemical treatment can make these fibers more water repellent.

Pleated recovery: Hydrophobic fibers generally have better wrinkle recovery, very much after washing, because they do not absorb water, swell and dry in wrinkles.

Third, the chemical role

In the finishing of fabrics (such as printing and dyeing, finishing) and home/professional care or clarity (such as fat soap, bleach and dry cleaning solvents), the fibers generally need to be in contact with chemicals. The type of chemical, the strength of the action, and the duration of action determine the extent of the effect on the fiber. It is important to understand the effects of chemicals on different fibers and it should be directly related to the care required for cleaning.

Fibers react differently to chemicals. For example, cotton fiber is relatively low in acid resistance and alkali resistant. In addition, cotton fabrics will lose a little strength after being chemically treated without ironing.

Fourth, coverage

Coverage refers to the ability to fill a range. The coarse fiber or the crimped fiber has a better covering effect than the fabric made of fine and straight fibers. The fabric is warm, full of feel, and woven with less fiber.

Wool is a widely used fiber in winter workwear because its curl provides excellent coverage of the fabric and creates a large amount of still air in the fabric that is isolated from the cold air outside. The effectiveness of fiber coverage depends on its cross-sectional shape, longitudinal configuration and weight.

V. Flexibility

Elasticity refers to the ability to increase the length (extension) under tension and return to the rock state (recovery) after releasing the external force. The elongation when an external force acts on the fiber or fabric makes the garment feel more comfortable and the seam stress caused is relatively small. There is also a tendency to increase the breaking strength. A complete response can aid in the sagging of the elbow or knee fabric, thereby preventing slack in the workwear.

Fibers that can elong at least 100% are called elastic fibers. Spandex (Spandex is also called Lycra, our country is called spandex) and rubber fiber belong to this type of fiber. After elongation, these elastic fibers can be almost restored to their original length.

Sixth, environmental conditions

Environmental conditions have different effects on fiber. It is especially important that the fibers and the final fabric react to the end of the storm, storage, and the like. Here are some examples:

Wool workwear requires insect control when stored, as they are simply invaded by wool mites.

Nylon and silk are exposed to the sun for a long time, and the strength will drop, so they are usually not used to make curtains and doors and windows.

Cotton fiber is very simple and moldy, so it can't be stored in a humid environment for a long time.

Seven, flammability

Flammability refers to the ability of an object to ignite or burn. This is a very important feature, because people's lives are always surrounded by a variety of fabrics. We understand that work clothes or interior furniture, due to their flammability, can cause serious damage to consumers and cause significant material damage.

Fibers are generally classified as flammable, non-flammable, and fire resistant:

Flammable fibers are fibers that are simply ignited and will continue to burn.

Non-combustible fiber is a fiber that has a relatively high burning point and a relatively slow burning rate that will self-extinguish after evacuating the combustion source.

Fireproof fibers are fibers that are not burned.

Flammable fibers can be made into fire resistant fibers by finishing or changing the fiber parameters. For example, conventional polyester is flammable, but Trevira polyester is treated to be fire resistant.

Eight, softness

Softness refers to the property that the fiber is easily bent without breaking. Soft fibers such as acetate fibers support fabrics and workwear that are drape. Rigid fibers, such as fiberglass, cannot be used to make workwear, but can be used on fabrics that are relatively stiff for decoration. Generally, the finer the fiber, the better the drape. Softness also affects the feel of the fabric.