Properties of textile fibres (Part 2).

Properties of textile fibres.

Esthetic factor.

Silk is an outstanding example with good esthetic properties. Filament acetate ranks next. Polyesters appear wool like and are most pleasing.

Example of esthetic.

Comfort.

Comfort of fibre is most important but little understood property. It is related to the structure of the fabric in determining it's ventilation and heat insulating characteristics and twisting properties. The comfort is not, however, depend on high moisture absorption in the fabric.

Crease resistance.
The polyester, nylon and acrylics are good in this respect. Cellulosics are not good in crease resistance, however they may be modified by resin finishes to give good crease resistance.

Example of crease.

Fabric stability.

The stability of shape and dimension of synthetic fibres are outstandingly good. Wool retain well shape in garments but shrinks on wet treatment. A phenomenon called pilling is important in synthetics. A nodule or pill is formed on rubbing the fibre as the surface raise and tangled. These pill wear off in wool but do not break away in polyesters and appears quite unsightly.

Example of pills.

Wear resistance.

No laboratory test is for abrasion of fibre in actual used. However there are two or more independent factors on which abrasion of fibre depends. Acetate rayon is abraded most easily, followed by viscose, cotton and wool, while the polyesters, acrylics and nylon are progressively better.

Example of wear.

Properties of textile fibres part 1