The Science of Fabric

What is textile?
- Study of fibers, yams, construction of fabric and finishes
- Commonly known as fabric made of natural or synthetic fibers that are knitted, woven, or felted
together

Fabric
- A planar structure produced by interfacing yarns, fibers, or filaments

Fabrics Differ In
- Fabric content
- Appearance and texture – Methods of dyeing
- Fabric constructions
- Fabric finish

Fiber
- Basic component of textile used in the fabrication of textile, yarns, and fabrics

FOUR ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

1. It must be fairly and strong
2. The fiber must be pliable or able to bend without breaking
3. The fiber must have some elasticity
4. The fiber must be long enough

Types of Fibers
Natural Fibers
- Those that come from natural sources such as Plants, Animals and Minerals
Cotton
- Comes from the seed pod of the Cotton plant
- It is strong, absorbed, comfortable and is very absorbent
Flax or Linen
- Comes from the inside of the stem of the flax plant
- It is stronger than cotton and very absorbent
Ramie
- Comes from the stems of China grass that is grown in South East Asia
- It has natural luster and can be easily dyed
Jute
- Comes from the stem of the Jute plants, that produces a course, rough fiber
- It wrinkles easily and breaks easily along folds, and produces lint
Natural Rubber
- Made from a milky liquid, called latex, that comes from rubber tree
Wool
- Comes from the fleece of sheep
- It is durable, comfortable, and versatile
- Rooing = Harvest of sheep fleece / Sheering = Cutting of sheep fleece
Silk
- Comes from the cocoon of silk worm
- It feels very soft, smooth, strong and yet lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Empress Hsi Ling Shi discovered Bombyx Mori (silkworm) – in a White Mulberry Tree
Cashmere
- Comes from the fleece of the Cashmere Goat
Natural Asbestos
- A mineral fiber that forms in the veins and cracks of certain types of rocks
- It is known for it’s non-burning fabric

Synthetic Fibers
- Come from substances that are found in nature, such as Wood Pulp, Petroleum, Natural Gas and
Air
- Those are the result of scientific experimentation and development
- Man-made fiber
Rayon
- First man-made fiber
- Absorbs moisture, soft and comfortable usually dry cleaned, sometimes washable
- Wood Pulp  Crumb + Carbon Disulfide  Spinneret  Acid Bath  Rayon
Acetate
- Some of the characteristic are similar to those of Rayon
- Silk like appearance, heat sensitive and damaged by acetone
- Many different types of fabrics are made from acetate
- Some common ones are Satin, Taffeta and Silk like fabrics
Nylon
- Was introduced in 1939 as MIRACLE FIBER
- Has excellent strength, elasticity and wash ability
- Although nylon is easy to wash it, may yellow or gray after a period of time
- It is lightweight and quick drying
- Nylon  Coal + Nylon Salt made from Adipic Acid and Hexamethylene
Polyester
- One of the most widely used manufactured fibers on the market
- Strong, high-performance fiber that is used alone or blended with many other fibers
- It has excellent resilience and outstanding wrinkle resistance
- Are used in a wide range of textiles that can look like cotton, silk, or wool
Acrylic
- Is a soft resilient fiber that has high bulking power
- It is often substituted for wool because it is non-allergenic, yet has similar characteristics

Classification of Fibers according to their Length

Staple Fibers
- Short fibers that are measured in INCHES OR CENTIMETERS
- All-natural fibers, except silk
- Manufactured fibers can be cut into staple lengths to help give fabrics the appearance of cotton,
linen, or wool
Filament Fibers
- Long continuous fibers that are measured in YARDS OR METERS
- Silk and Manufactured fibers

Source:

DIMARANAN, LSE-Science-of-Fabrics

My Own Damn Notes