5. Working Properties of Fibres and Fabrics

Question 1

strength

Answer 1

ability to withstand an applied load without failure

Question 2

extensibility

Answer 2

capability of being extended

Question 3

elasticity/strentch

Answer 3

the ability of a fibre or fabric to return to its original length, shape, or size immediately after the removal of stress

Question 4

fineness

Answer 4

measurement of the thickness of the fibre, measured in deniers

Question 5

electrostatic charge

Answer 5

static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material

Question 6

lustre

Answer 6

a gentle sheen or soft glow

Question 7

thermal insulation

Answer 7

materials used to reduce the rate of heat transfer

Question 8

flammability

Answer 8

ability of a substance to burn or ignite

Question 9

moisture absorption

Answer 9

how much moisture it can absorb

Question 10

shrinkage

Answer 10

how much fabric shrinks when washed

Question 11

durability

Answer 11

the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage

Question 12

creasing

Answer 12

how much a fabric creases

Question 13

formability

Answer 13

the ability to form/deform a material

Question 14

handle

Answer 14

how the fabric feels e.g. stiff, smooth, rough, hard

Question 15

drape

Answer 15

the way the fabric feels

Question 16

pattern repeat

Answer 16

a repeating pattern usually in one direction

Question 17

texture

Answer 17

the visual and tactile quality of a surface

Question 18

directional pile / nap

Answer 18

pile is the raised surface or nap of the fabric which is made up of upright loops or strands of yarn, it is one directional