1.2 performance characteristics of fibres Flashcards
(104 cards)
1
Q
where does cotton come from
A
the seed fibre found in the cotton balls of the cotton plant
2
Q
what are the properties and characteristics of cotton
A
- naturally breathable, conducts heat away from the body
- very absorbent
- non static as moisture is present
- good strength due to its natural twist
- very little elasticity, creases easily
- highly flammable
- poor insulator
- comfortable and soft handle
- damaged by mildew and prolonged sunlight exposure
- biodegradable
3
Q
what are examples of cotton
A
- calico
- muslin
- denim
4
Q
what are the uses of cotton
A
- apparel fabrics such shirts, dresses and jeans
- home textiles such as towels
- commercial textiles such as medical dressings
5
Q
what is cotton typically blended and mixed with
A
polyester, wool and elastane
6
Q
what is the fibre production of cotton
A
- cotton grows in a boll around the seeds of a cotton plant
- harvesting is carried out by hand or using a picking machine
- fibres are separated from seeds using process called ginning
- mechanical purification is used to remove foreign matter
- fibres are sourced to remove natural wax coating from surface of fibres
- processed cotton fibres are spun into staple fibre yarns
7
Q
where does linen come from
A
the bast fibre of the flax plant stem
8
Q
what are the properties and characteristics of linen
A
- highly absorbent and naturally breathable
- very strong due to long length of staple fibres
- poor elasticity and creases easily
- highly flammable
- poor insulator
- flat surface reflects light so has subtle lustre
- poor drape and stiff handle
- damaged by mildew, sweat and bleach
- biodegradeable
9
Q
what are the uses of linen
A
- apparel fabrics such as summer garments
- home textiles such as table cloths
10
Q
what is linen typically blended and mixed with
A
cotton
11
Q
what is the fibre production of linen
A
- fibres are loosened from flax plant stems using process called retting
- retted stems are crushed in process called scotching to separate fibres from woody outer bark
- fibres are heckled to remove short fibres leaving long fibres
- processed linen fibres spun into staple yarn
12
Q
what makes ramie a highly sustainable fibre source
A
it can be harvested from the sample plant up to 3 times
13
Q
what are the properties and characteristics of ramie
A
- good absorbency and breathable
- keeps it shape and doesnt shrink
- harder to dye than cotton
- naturally white in colour
- has good strength
- poor elasticity and creases easily
- highly flammable
- poor insulator, cool to wear
- smooth lustrous appearance
- stiff and brittle handle
- resistant to mildew, light and insect attack
- biodegradable
14
Q
what are the uses of ramie
A
- apparel fabrics such as light weight summer clothes
- home textiles such as table linens
- commercial textiles such as ribbon
15
Q
what is ramie typically blended and mixed with
A
cotton, wool, polyester and acrylic
16
Q
what is the fibre production of ramie
A
- stems harvested by cutting above root
- laborious process of decortication is used to remove bark from stem
- raw fibres are washed, dried and degummed using chemicals to extract spinnable fibres
- processed ramie fibres are spun into staple yarns
17
Q
where does wool come from
A
the fleece of sheep
18
Q
what are the properties and characteristics of wool
A
- water repellent and excellent moisture absorption
- anti static as moisture is always present
- heat, moisture and mechanical action shrink and felt the fibres making wool difficult to care for
- adequate strength but not very durable
- high natural fire resistance, self extinguishes if set alight
- excellent elasticity, natural crimp provides springiness enabling creases to fall out
- good insulation and thermal qualities
- no lustre because fibres arnt smooth
- origin, fineness and length of fibre determine handle of wool fabrics, wool can be soft or itchy
- biodegradable
19
Q
what are examples of wool
A
flannel, jersey, tweed
20
Q
what are the uses of wool
A
- apparel fabrics such as coats, suits and trousers
- home textiles such as blankets
- commercial textiles such as loft insulation
21
Q
what is wool typically blended and mixed with
A
cotton, silk, polyester, acrylic and other animal hair fibres
22
Q
what is sport wool
A
a mix of merino wool and polyester fibres. the wool draws away moisture from the body which is wicked away by polyester keeping the wearer cool
23
Q
what are the different processes used in wool fibre production
A
- shearing
- sorting
- carbonising and scouring
- carding
- spinning
24
Q
what is shearing
A
sheeps fleece is removed by hand typically once a year
25
what is sorting
longer fibres are separated from shorter fibres. longer fibres are processed through worsted system to make high end products like suits and shorter fibres are processed through woollen system to make products such as blankets and sweaters
26
what is carbonising and scouring
carbonising is a chemical process that removes vegetable matter such as seeds and grass. scouring is a mechanical process that washes the fibres to remove lanolin and dirt
27
what is carding
disentangles clumps of fibres and aligns them to one another in a web which is then condensed into a continuous strand of fibres called a silver. this silver is processed further using roving machine to compact and hold fibres closer together minimising chance of breakage during spinning
28
what is spinning
rovings are fed into mechanised spinning machine and predetermined amount of twist is applied. yarn is rewound onto suitable packages for knitting or weaving
29
what are the other animal hair fibres
- cashmere from the undercoat of cashmere goats
- mohair from angora goats
- angora from angora rabbits
30
what are the properties and characteristics of animal hair fibres
- naturally fire resistant
- very good thermal insulators
- soft, luxurious handle and appearance
- biodegradable
31
what are the properties and characteristics of cashmere fibres
- very soft
- lightweight
- lustrous
- three times more insulating than wool
32
what are the properties and characteristics of mohair fibres
- long and lightly curled
- silky lustre
- naturally elastic
- crease resistant
- dye well
33
what are the properties and characteristics of angora fibres
- very fine and light weight
- hollow core makes fibres good at absorbing moisture vapour
34
what are the uses of animal hair fibres
- apparel fabrics such as luxury coats and suits
- home textiles such as luxury interior textiles
35
what are animal hair fibres typically blended with
can be used alone or blended with wool to reduce cost
36
what is the fibre production of animal hair
- in case of cashmere and angora, fibres need to be washed and dehaired to remove the course guard hairs before being spun into yarn
- angora goats are shorn twice a year to collect mohair fibres. fibres are processed in similar way to wool fibres but extra care is taken to try and keep delicate fibres clean and free of debris
37
where does cultivated silk come from
the cocoon of the bombyx mori silk worm
38
where does wild silk come from
the cocoon of other species which is harvested after the moth has left the cocoon
39
why is cultivated silk production considered to be unethical
because the moth is killed before it can emerge and damage the cocoon breaking the filament fibre
40
what are the properties and characteristics of silk
- excellent tensile strength due to long continuous length of fibres
- very absorbent
- anti static as moisture is always present
- weak when wet so hard to care for
- extensible and elastic
- doesnt burn easily and self extinguishes
- cool and warm
- naturally lustrous
- pleasant handle and comfortable to wear
- has fluidity and drapes well
- weakened if exposed to sunlight and sweat
- biodegradable
41
what are the uses of silk
- apparel fabrics such as formal wear
- home textiles such as bedsheets
- commercial textiles such as surgical sutures
42
what is silk typically blended and mixed with
wool
43
what is the fibre production of silk
- silkworm produces fibre when it pupates. 2 filaments of silk fluid are extruded from spinnerets below silk worms mouth. serecin coats filaments and holds them together to produce a single filament fibre which when wound around the body of the silkworm, creates a cocoon
- to extract the fibre, cocoons are degummed by soaking them in boiling water killing the moths and softening the sericin
- long continuous fibre is unwound from cocoon and is spun with three to ten silk fibres to form filament yarns
44
what are the manufactured, cellulosic regenerated fibres
- first generation fibres
- new generation fibres
45
what are the first generation fibres
acetate and viscose
46
what is acetate made from
cotton fibre waste which is dissolved into a polymer solution by treating it with a solvent
47
what is a solvent
a chemical is substance used to dissolve or dilute other substances or materials
48
what is a viscose made from
wood pulp is dissolved into a polymer solution by treating it with a solvent
49
how is acetate made
dry spinning: polymer solution is extruded into a stream of warm air which evaporates the solvent and solidifies the filament fibres
50
how is viscose and modal made
wet spinning: the polymer solution is extruded into a chemical bath. different chemicals are used to make modal and viscose. the chemicals neutralise the solvent and solidify the cellulose from the wood pulp into filament fibres
51
what are the new generation fibres
modal and lyocell
52
what is modal made from
wood pulp from sustainably managed forests is dissolved into a polymer solution using a solvent
53
what is lyocell made from
wood pulp from sustainable managed forests is dissolved using solvents
54
how is lyocell made
in a closed loop system where cellulose from the wood pulp is regenerated in a similar way to wet spinning but water is used to wash and remove the solvent. the water and solvent are recovered and recycled for use within a close looped system
55
what are the properties and characteristics of manufactured cellulosic regenerated fibres
- structure allows similar or better levels of absorbency than cotton
- shape can be changed using spinnerets with different cross sections
- take dye and print techniques especially well
- non static as some moisture is always present
- easy care, but first generation fibres should not be tumble dried as they are prone to shrinking
- naturally breathable with good wicking properties
- low ability to trap air so cool to wear
- first generation fibres have lower strength and resistance to abrasion than cotton
- same or slightly better resistance to creasing than cotton
- softer handle and better drape than cotton
- degree of lustre can be engineered from subtle to bright whereas cotton is matt fibre
- similar flammability to cotton due to cellulosic content
- lower resistance to damage from sunlight, bleach and microorganisms than cotton
- biodegradable and recyclable and inexpensive to produce
56
what are the uses of manufactured regenerated fibres
fashion garments such lingerie
57
what are manufactured regenerated fibres blended with
used in blends with natural fibres or on their own
58
what is spinneret
the nozzle part of the spinning machine where the molten fibres are extruded
59
what are the properties and characteristics of viscose
- more absorbent than cotton and other regenerated fibres
60
what are the properties and characteristics of modal
- stretched more than viscose after spinning to make fibres stronger and can be tumble dried
- silky smooth, very soft handle and drape
61
what are the properties and characteristics of acetate
- lower absorbency, prone to static
- more elastic than others but still creases
- thermoplastic capabilities
- subdued lustre and elegant drape
62
what are the properties and characteristics of lyocell
- stronger and more extensible than cotton so doesnt crease as much
- totally biodegradable, recyclable and made using a closed loop system that reuses the chemicals used in the manufacturing process
63
what are the general characteristics of synthetic fibres
- mostly manufactured using melt spinning process which produces very fine smooth continuous filament fibres
- cross section shape of fibre can be engineered to give different properties
- long continuous filament fibres can be left in their original state, textured or cut into staple form
- can be coloured during manufacturing process
- thermoplastic properties enable them to be heat set and shaped in a range of different ways
- specific properties of each fibre are dependent on their chemical composition but most are very strong, non absorbent smooth and light weight
- they come from non renewable sources and take many years to biodegrade
64
how is polyamide produced
as continuous smooth filaments including very fine microfibres which can be textured or cut into staple fibres
65
what are the properties and characteristics of polyamide
- low absorbency, dries quickly, doesnt shrink, prone to static
- very strong and durable, high abrasion resitance
- good elasticity and crease recovery
- low flammability, fabric melts and drips
- thermoplastic: fibres can be textured, desired creases can be heat set or inadvertently added to fabric if washed at too high temperature
- light weight and can have lustre if fibres are extruded as flat smooth surfaces that reflect a lot of light
- cross section shape and fibre thickness can be engineered to provide fine, smooth soft fabrics thst drape well
- fibre shape and texturing gives improved comfort and thermal qualities, enabling moisture to wick away from the body. flat smooth filaments trap little air so are cool and poor insulators
- weakens in sunlight and chlorine bleach but resistant to chemicals and microorganisms
66
what are the uses of polyamide
clothing, outdoor and active wear
67
what are the brand names of polyamide
tactel
68
what are the brand names of aramids
- kevlar
- nomex
69
what are the properties and characteristics of aramids
- good strength and durability
- stab and tear resistant
- fine and light weight
- flexible for ease of movement
- nomex has similar properties to kevlar and can withstand high temperatures
70
what are the uses of aramids
- bullet and stab proof vests
- motor sport clothing
- industiral work wear
71
how is polyester produced
produced as continuous smooth filaments which can be textured or cut into staple fibres
72
what are the brand names of polyester
trevira
73
what are the properties and characteristics of polyester
- very similar to polyamide
- most commonly used synthetic fibre
- better thermoplasticity properties qualities than polyamide
- doesnt weaken in sunlight
- non renewable source but can be recycled
74
what are the uses of polyester
- wide range of clothing
- bedsheets
- sewing thread
75
how is acrylic made
spun using the wet or dry spinning method - mostly used as bulky staple fibres
76
what are the properties and characteristics of acrylic
- low absorbency, prone to static
- easy care and dries quickly
- good strength
- sensitive to heat and highly flammable
- good elasticity and crease resistant
- good thermal qualities, soft and warm
- wool like handle, with good drape
- poor lustre
77
what are the uses of acrylic
- knitting yarn
- knitwear
- fake fur
78
how are chlorofibres used
in a filament or staple form or as a coating
79
what are the properties and characteristics of chlorofibres
- strong
- durable
- breathable, easy care and waterproof
- good insulator
- can be recycled
80
what are the uses of chlorofibres
- raincoats
- thermal clothing
- active sportswear
81
what are fluorofibres used as
mainly as a coating
82
what is the brand name of flurofibres
teflon
83
what are the properties and characteristics of flurofibres
when applied to fabric as finishing process the fabric is:
- water repellent and stain resistant
- easy care and less energy is needed to dry fabric
- durable and flexible
- breathable nut windproof
84
what are the uses of fluorofibres
- used to protect fabrics
- work wear
- soft furnishings
85
what are elastomeric fibres used as
the core in corespun yarn and combined with natural and synthetic fibres
86
what is the brand name of elastomeric
lycra
87
what are the properties and characteristics of elastomeric fibres
- lower absorbency and easy care
- good tear resistance and durability
- very fine and light weight
- gives high degree of comfort and allows free movement
- increases shape retention, crease recovery and improves drape in woven fabric
88
what are the uses of elastomeric fibres
- 1-2% in socks or trousers
- 15-20% needed in swimwear or sportswear
89
what are the inorganic fibres
- glass
- carbon
- metal
- ceramic
90
what is the source of glass
powdered mineral compounds
91
what is the processing method of glass
a direct melt method is used to draw filament glass fibres from the molten mineral compound - the fibres can be used as filaments or cut into staple fibres
92
what are the properties of glass
- high tensile strength but low extensibility
- poor abrasion resistance
- high heat resistance and thermal conductivity
- impermeable and unaffected by sunlight, chemicals and microorganism attack
- non stick, non toxic and reflective
93
what are the uses of glass
- insulation material in buildings
- flame retardent fabrics
- hospital wall coverings
94
what is the source of carbon
carbon created by burning acrylic fibre
95
what is the processing method of carbon
carbon fibres are twisted together to form a yarn than can be used by itself or made into a fabric
96
what are the properties of carbon
- very strong for its size
- light weight
- abrasion and tear resistant
- flame resistant at very high temperatures
- resistant to chemicals
97
what are the uses of carbon
- protective clothing
- aeroplane interior
98
what are the sources of metal
- copper, aluminium and steel for common uses
- titanium, gold and silver for special uses
99
what is the processing method for metal
- very thin layers of metal are laminated between clear film and cit lengthwise into thin strips
- alternatively metal is heated until it vaporises and deposits at high pressure onto polyester fibres
100
what are the properties of metal
- strong and abrasion resistant
- light weight
- withstands high temperatures
- good conductor of heat and electricity
- anti bacterial and anti microbial
- anti static
- stiff handle and high lustre
101
what are the sources of ceramics
powdered inorganic non metallic materials such as crystalline oxide. carbon and silicon are also considered ceramics
102
what is the processing method of ceramic
incorporated into synthetic fibres by coating them with ceramic particles or encapsulating them in the fibre
103
what are the properties of ceramic
- resistant to 1000+ c temperatures
- lightweight and resistant to chemicals
- produces fabrics with UV protection
- has heat deflection properties to regulate body temperature
- has therapeutic properties if combined with body heat
104
what are the uses of ceramic
- industrial work wear
- swimwear
- bioceramic fabric
