Natural and Manufactured Fibers Fiber Characteristics Knowledge of
Natural and Manufactured Fibers
Fiber Characteristics Ø Knowledge of fiber characteristics will help you select the fiber most appropriate for its end use.
Fiber Characteristics Ø Abrasion Resistance- is a worn spot that can develop when fibers rub against something. (Pilling- tiny balls of fiber on the fabric. ) Ø Absorbency-ability to take in moisture. Ø Durability- refers to how long you will be able to wear or use a particular garment or item.
Fiber Characteristics Ø Elasticity- Is the ability to increase in length when under tension (elongation) and then return to the original length when released (recovery). Ø Hand Is the way a fiber, yarn, or fabric feels when handled.
Fiber Characteristics Ø Resiliency- able to spring or bounce back into shape after crushing or wrinkling. Ø Strength- ability to withstand tension or pulling. Ø Warmth – ability of a fiber to maintain body heat of wearer Ø Wicking - ability to draw moisture away from the body so the moisture can evaporate.
Natural Fibers Ø Cellulosic- plant derived Cotton Flax(Linen)
Cotton Soft, absorbent, and comfortable. Ø Wrinkles easily. Ø Absorbs perspiration quickly. Ø Strong and durable. Ø Inexpensive Ø Does not pill Ø Blends well Ø
Flax Commonly called Linen Ø Comes from the Flax plant. Ø Oldest fiber. Ø Cool and comfortable. Ø Wrinkles easily. Ø Strong, durable and lustrous.
Protein Fibers Wool Silk Come from animal sources
Wool Ø Hard wearing and absorbs moisture. Ø Natural insulator. Ø Does not wrinkle easily. Ø Traps odors. Ø Flame resistant
Silk Ø Ø Ø Ø Versatile and very comfortable. Absorbs moisture. Cool to wear in the summer yet warm to wear in winter. Can be easily dyed. Retains its shape and is relatively smooth. Poor resistance to sunlight exposure. Strongest natural fiber and is lustrous.
Manufactured Fibers Can be made into staple or filament fibers. Ø Blends Ø
Types Cellulosic Fibers Ø Made from cellulose – the fibrous substance in plant life Noncellulosic Fibers Made by combining molecules of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon Ø Also known as Manufactured Fibers Ø
Manufacturing Process 1. The solid raw material is changed to a liquid Ø 2. The liquid is extruded through a spinneret Ø 3. It hardens in the form of a fiber Ø
Kinds of Manufactured Fibers Rayon- 1 st MF fiber 1910 Ø Acetate- 1924 Ø Nylon- 1939 Ø Olefin- 1949 Ø Polyester-1953 Ø Spandex- 1959 Ø Lyocell- 1992 Ø
Specialty Fibers Specialty fibers are protein fibers. They are rarely found alone 100% in a garment. They are blended with other fibers due to their limited availability and expense. Angora Cashmere Mohair
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