Other material
Textile fiber materials have different origins and characteristics. Fibers are divided into natural fibers – which come from plants or animals, such as wool – and artificially produced synthetic fibers. Certain materials originate from nature but have been transformed to textile fibers. These are called regenerated fibers.
NATURAL FIBERS
COTTON is a plant whose seeds are surrounded by fibers, 15–45 mm long, which can be spun into yarn. Cotton represents about 30% of the total consumption of fibers in the US and in Western Europe, and about 50% worldwide. Egyptian cotton is considered of superior quality since its fibers are longer than other types. The cotton industry is highly dependent on chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
The uneven surface and spiral form of the fibers means that cotton easily attracts soil and requires washing at high temperature. Cotton is a strong and resilient fiber that endures washing at high temperature, often with good color fastness, albeit with some shrinkage.
The capacity of cotton to insulate heat is poor, partly due to its low elasticity. Cotton yarns are compact and contain little air. Clothes made of cotton are soft and comfortable on the skin but the fiber absorbs a lot of moisture. This makes cotton a pleasant fiber on many occasions but un¬suitable for activities where you perspire a great deal.
FLAX is a stem fiber that can reach a height of up to 75 cm. It is extremely strong when pulled but brittle when broken. Linen clothes are cool and comfortable on the skin but easily wrinkled. Linen can be washed at up to 60 °C (140 °F) but should not be spin-dried since the fibers may break.
SILK is a glandular substance secreted by the silkworm as it spins a cocoon around itself. The cocoon can give up to 900 meters of filament fibers. The silk fiber is long and strong considering its fineness, but since the fiber is so thin it is perceived as brittle. Silk absorbs moisture well and feels comfortable on the skin but may be destroyed by salts, such as from perspiration.
SYNTHETIC FIBERS
Synthetic fibers are manufactured in an entirely chemical process using oil, coal, chalk, salt, water and chemicals mixed to a paste, which is then spun into fibers.
POLYAMIDE is a strong elasticized fiber with good abrasion resistance. It absorbs little moisture and is thus quick drying, with good crease-resistance and stability of shape. Polyamide is often called nylon, which is a trade name. Other well-known modified polyamide varieties are Kevlar®, Nomex® and Kermel®.
POLYESTER is a strong elasticized fiber with good abrasion resistance. It is heat resistant but can be heat proofed to retain its shape. It absorbs very little moisture but can also be made to transport moisture and perspiration. Garments of polyester are suitable when humidity control and/or good abrasion resistance is required.
ACRYLIC has been designed to resemble wool. It is a relatively weak and heat sensitive fiber which easily pills. The feeling is soft with very high light resistance.
ELASTANE – SPANDEX is used as a stretch yarn to complement other yarns. It is highly elastic – up to 700% – and it gives garments excellent shape stability, fit and stretch. It is also highly washable and withstands both heat and perspiration. A common trade name is Lycra®.
POLYPROPYLENE is a fiber with very low weight, poor elasticity but high strength. The fiber is used in garments meant to wick away moisture since it does not itself absorb.
REGENERATED FIBERS
VISCOSE (rayon) is a fiber made from cellulose harvested from spruce or other types of trees. The wood chips are dissolved with chemicals to a pulp, which is spun to fibers and regenerated. The fibers easily absorb moisture but are sensitive and weak when wet. Fabrics made of viscose are soft on the skin, hang gracefully and are easy to wash since the dirt comes off easily. The fabric is easily wrinkled and may be deformed whenever wet.
ACETATE is a chemical compound of cellulose and acetic acid. There is both acetate and triacetate, with different quantity of acetic acid added. Both fibers are stronger than viscose, shrink less when washed, but absorb less moisture and have reduced heat insulation capacity. The fabrics are used as linings in jackets and dresses.
MODACRYLIC is produced of the same raw materials and in a similar way as viscose but more closely resembles the cotton fiber. The fiber is stronger and more elastic.
It is also called ‘man-made cotton’ since many of its characteristics resemble the look and features of cotton.
LYOCELL is produced of the same raw materials as viscose but uses less harmful chemicals. This is a relatively new fiber that can assume a wide array of characteristics and properties, from silky to cotton looks. The fiber is strong and washes well with minimal risk of shrinkage.
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