Fiber properties
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.
14. Static electricity
Static electricity is the caused by the rubbing together of two materials.
15. Thermo plasticity
Which melts or softens when heat is applied. Permanent crease and pleat can be made on fabric
containing thermoplastic fibers by using enough heat.
16. 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.
17. Allergic potential
Allergenic potential is the ability to cause physical reactions such as skin redness.
.
18. Cohesiveness
Cohesiveness is the ability of fibers to cling together during spinning.
19. Compressibility
Compressibility is resistance to crushing
20. Density
Density is the weight in grams per cubic centimeter
21. Dimensional Stability
Dimensional stability is the ability to retain a given size and shape through use and care
22. Drape
Drape is the manner in which a fabric falls or hangs over a three-dimensional form.
23. Dyeability
Dyeability is the fiber’s receptivity to coloration by dyes; dye affinity.
24. Electrical Conductivity
Electrical conductivity is the ability to transfer electrical charges.
25. Heat conductivity
Heat conductivity is the ability to transfer heat through a fabric.
26. Elongation
Elongation is the ability to be stretched, extended, or lengthened. Varies with conditions (wet/dry) and
temperatures.
27. Flammability
Flammability describes how a fabric reacts to ignition sources.
.
28. Loft or Compression resiliency
Loft or Compression resiliency is the ability to spring back to original thicknesses after being
compressed.
29. Mildew resistance
Mildew resistance is the resistance to the growth of mold, mildew or fungus.
30. Moth resistance
Moth resistance is resistance to insect damage.
31. Oleophilic
Oleophilic describes fibers with a strong affinity or attraction for oil.
32. Stiffness
Stiffness or rigidity is resistance to bending or creasing.
33. 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
34. Sunlight resistance
Sunlight resistance is the ability to withstand degradation from sunlight.
35. Texture
Texture is the nature of the fiber or fabric surface.
36. Translucence
Translucence is the ability of a fiber, yarn, or fabric to allow light to pass through the surface.
