Abrasion Resistant 2. Absorbency 3. Hydrophilic 4. Hydrophobic 5. Chemical Effect
Abrasion Resistant 2. Absorbency 3. Hydrophilic 4. Hydrophobic 5. Chemical Effect
All fibers posses certain basic characteristics, by knowing these properties it can be determined if a fiber is
suitable to use in a specific fabric. For example if a man understands fabric is desired for man undershirt cotton
would be excellent while nylon would be undesirable. Some important properties as bellow;
1. Abrasion resistant
Abrasion resistant is the ability to resist wear rubbing. It contributes to fabric durability.
2. Absorbency
Absorbency is the ability to take moisture.
3. Hydrophilic
Ability to absorb water easily.
4. Hydrophobic
Difficulty in absorbing water and are only able to absorb small amounts.
5. Chemical effect
Fibers react to chemicals in different way. For example; cotton fibers have relatively low resistance to
acids but excellent resistant to alkalis.
6. Cover
Cover is the ability to occupy an area. A thick or crimp fiber will give the fabric better cover than the
thin and straight fiber.
7. Elasticity
Elasticity is the ability to increase in length when under tension and then return to the original length
when released. Fibers that can elongate at lest 100% are called elastomeric fibers. Spandex and Rubber
are two fibers that are in this category.]
8. Environmental condition
The effect of environmental condition vary; following are examples.
a. Wool garment should be moth proofed when stored.
b. Nylon and silk show strength losses from extended exposure to sunlight so it is not suitable as
curtain and drape.
c. Cotton has poor resistance to mildew and should not be allowed to remain wet for long period
of time.
9. Flexibility
Flexibility is the ability of a fiber to bend easily.
10. Hand
Hand is the way a fiber (yarn or fabric) feels when handled.
11. Luster
Luster refers to the light reflected from a surface.
12. Pilling
Pilling is the formation of groups of short or broken fibers on the surface of a fabric, which are tangled
together in the shape of a tiny ball called pill.
13. Resiliency
Resiliency is the ability of material to spring back to shape after being creased, twisted or distorted. It
is closely connected with wrinkle recovery. Polyester is a fiber that has outstanding resiliency cotton
has poor.
17. Wicking
Wicking is the ability of a fiber to disperse moisture and allow it to pass through to the surface of the
fabric so that evaporation can take place.
Properties of fiber
Understanding fibers and their performance is essential because fibers are the basic unit of fabrics.
Fibers influence product aesthetics, durability, comport appearance, retention, are environmental
impact, and cost.
Fibers contribute to fabric performance. To analyze and predict a fabric’s performance start with the
fiber. Knowledge of fiber properties will help you understand the fiber’s contribution to the
performance of a fabric and product made from it. Fiber properties are determined by their physical
structure, chemical composition and molecular arrangement.
1. Abrasion resistance
Abrasion resistance is the ability of a fiber to resist damage from rubbing or surface contact
2. Absorbency
Absorbency is the percentage of moisture a bone-dry fiber will absorb from the air when at standard
temperature and relative humidity.
3. Again resistance
Again resistance is resistance to deleterious change over time.
4. Allergic potential
Allergenic potential is the ability to cause physical reactions such as skin redness.
5. Chemical reactivity
Chemical reactivity describes the effect of acid, alkalis, oxidizing agents solvents, or other chemicals.
6. Cohesiveness
Cohesiveness is the ability of fibers to cling together during spinning.
7. Compressibility
Compressibility is resistance to crushing
8. Cover
Cover is ability to conceal or protect
9. Creep
Creep is delayed or gradual recovery from elongation or strain
10. Density
Density is the weight in grams per cubic centimeter
12. Drape
Drape is the manner in which a fabric falls or hangs over a three-dimensional form.
13. Dyeability
Dyeability is the fiber’s receptivity to coloration by dyes; dye affinity.
14. Elasticity
Elasticity is the ability of a strained material to recover its original dimensions immediately after
removal of stress.
17. Elongation
Elongation is the ability to be stretched, extended, or lengthened. Varies with conditions (wet/dry) and
temperatures.
19. Flammability
Flammability describes how a fabric reacts to ignition sources.
20. Flexibility
Flexibility is the ability to bend repeatedly without braking.
21. Hand
Hand is the way of fiber feels, tactile sensation: smooth, harsh, soft, crispy, dry.
25. Hydrophobic
Hydrophobic describes fiber with low affinity or attraction for water.
26. Hydrophilic
Hydrophilic describes fibers with a strong affinity or attraction for water.
28. Luster
Luster is the light reflected from a surface.
30. Modulus
Modulus is the resistance to stress/ stain to which a fiber is exposed.
32. Oleophilic
Oleophilic describes fibers with a strong affinity or attraction for oil.
33. Pilling
Pilling is the formation of balls of fiber on the fabric surface.
34. Resiliency
Resiliency is the ability to return to original shape after banding, twisting, compressing, or a
combination of deformations.
37. Strength
Strength is the ability to resist stress and express as tensile strength or tenacity.
• Tensile strength
• Tenacity
• Braking tenacity
Braking tenacity is the number of grams of force to break a fiber
39. Texture
Texture is the nature of the fiber or fabric surface.
40. Translucence
Translucence is the ability of a fiber, yarn, or fabric to allow light to pass through the surface.
41. Wicking
Wicking is the ability of a fiber to transfer moisture along its surface.