Fabric Performance
The ability of a textile product to serve its end use
Fiber Properties
Relate to each fabric performance concept
PROPERTIES OF DURABILITY
PROPERTIES OF DURABILITY
Abrasion Resistance
The ability of a fabric to withstand rubbing without breaking
Pilling
Pilling is also caused by rubbing but with a different end result. The formation of tangled fibers on the surface of the fabric
Cohesiveness
The ability of fibers to cling together. Important for yarn spinning. Usually provided by crimp
Feltability
the ability of a fiber to matte together to form a fabric
Elongation
the degree to which a fiber may be stretched without breaking; the amount it gives. Growth can be a problem
Elasticity
The ability of a fiber to stretch and recover. The ability of a fiber to return to its original size and shape after being stretched
Dimensional Stability (Shrinkage)
The ability of a fiber to retain a given size and shape through use and care
Tenacity
(Strength) The ability of a fabric to resist stress
Tensile Strength
The ability of a fabric/fiber to withstand a pulling force (breaking point)
Tearing Strength
The measurement of strength that it takes to continue a tear (once fabric/fiber has been broken)
PROPERTIES OF COMFORT
PROPERTIES OF COMFORT
Absorbency
The ability of a fiber to take up moisture from the body or from the enviroment
Hydrophilic
fibers absorb water easily
Hydrophobic
fibers absorb little or no water
Hygroscopic
the ability of a fiber to absorb moisture (water vapor) from the air without feeling damp
Wicking
the ability of a fiber/fabric to pass moisture to the surface for evaporation
Electrical
Conductivity: the ability of a fiber/fabric to transfer electrical charges
Retention: the ability of a fiber/fabric to build up electrical charges causing fabric to cling to the body
Thermal
Conductivity: the ability of a fiber/fabric to transmit heat from the body
Retention: the ability of a fiber/fabric to hold heat next to the body
Allergic Potential
The ability of a fiber/fabric to cause some physical reaction such as skin irritation or watery eyes
Specific Gravity
The ratio of the weight of a given volume of fiber to an equal weight of water. A lightweight fiber enables a fabric to be warm without being heavy
Density
The compactness or openness of a fabric. Lightweight fibers can be made into thick fabrics that are more comfortable to wear than heavyweight fabric
Air Permeability
The degree of porosity in a fabric or the ease with which air passes trough it
Cover
the ability of a fiber to occupy an area
PROPERTIES OF CARE
treatments that are required to maintain the original look of a textile product, wear, cleaning, and storage
Resiliency
The ability of a fiber/fabric to return to it original shape after bending, compressing, twisting or crushing. (Relates to wrinkle recovery)
Oliophilic vs Oleophobic
Fibers have an affinity to oil based stains. Oil-loving (hold oily stains) or oil-heating
Chemical Reactivity
The affect of acids, alkali, oxidizing agents, solvents, enzymes, bleaches or other cleaning agents
ENVIROMENTAL EFFECTS
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Biological resistance
to moths, mildew, sliverfish, ect
Sunlight resistance
the ability to withstand degradation from direct sunlight
Aging resistance
the ability to maintain it orginial qualities over time
THERMOPLACITY
the ability too soften, melt or shrink when exposed to heat. This aids in the production of permanent-pleates, creases, or shapes. Becomes plastic and will retain a predetermined shape when cooled
Heat tolerance
the ability to withstand heat when subjected to cleaning, drying, and ironing
Heat sensitivity
the exact temperature at which a fiber will melt, soften or shrink when subjected to heat
PROPERTIES OF APPERRANCE
the maintenance of a fabrics attractiveness to remain aesthetically acceptable and serviceable
shape & length of fiber
influences apperance, care and comfort
color
the first aesthetic property noticed in a textile product
colorfastness
the ability of a fiber/fabric to retain color when exposed to certain environmental or chemical conditions
dye affinity
the individual fibers receptivity to coloration by a particular dyestuff
luster
sheen created by light reflective
translucence
the ability to pass light through a fiber, yarn or fabric
drape
the manner in which a fabric falls or hangs. indicative of flexibility
texture
the 3 dimensional nature of the fiber, yarns or fabric surface
body
the stiffness, firmness, or looseness of a fabric
loft
the ability to spring back to original thickness after being compressed
hand
the adjective used to describe the way a fiber feel to the touch (soft, smooth, crisp, dry, textured, ect.)
PROPERTIES OF SAFETY
the way a fiber burns for fiber identification and safety
flammability
the ability of a fiber to ignite and burn
inflammable
ignites and burns readily, with a bright orange glow. smells like burning paper or wood. does not easily extinguish
flame retardant
fabrics which will burn but self extinguish when removed from flame. smells like burning hair
flame resistant
fabrics which will burn and melt. often will self extinguish when removed from flame. smells like burning plastic
nonflammable or flameproof
fiber/fabric will not burn