Chapter 4: Fibre Structure & Properties

Question 1

Fibre

Answer 1

• Fine, thread like substance
• Length of at least 100x greater than the width.
• Raw material used to make yarn-fabrics

Question 2

Short fibres

Answer 2

Short fibres = staple fibres

Usually range from 15mm—1500mm length

Question 3

Long or Continuous Fibres

Answer 3

Long or continuous fibres = filament fibres

Question 4

Classification of fibres

Answer 4

• Manufactures fibres:
  Regenerated or synthetic
• Natural fibres:
  Animal, Inorganic, Vegetable

Question 5

Manufactured fibres: Regenerated

Answer 5

Rayon and Acetate

Question 6

Manufactured fibres: Synthetic

Answer 6

Polyester
Nylon
Acrylic
Elastomeric

Question 7

Natural fibres: Animal

Answer 7

Sheep
Alpaca
Camel
Goat
Rabbit
Silk
Spider silk

Question 8

Natural fibres: Inorganic

Answer 8

Metallic
Fibre optics
Asbestos
Fibreglass

Question 9

Natural fibres: Vegetable

Answer 9

Linen
Hemp
Rubber
Coir
Sisal
Cotton

Question 10

Fibre Properties

Answer 10

- Aesthetic 
Lustre
Drape
- Durability
Abrasion resistance 
Strength 
- Comfort
Absorbency 
Elasticity 
Thermal properties 
Dimensional stability 
- Care
Effects of chemicals
Sun resistance
Colour fastness
Shrink resistance

Question 11

Aesthetics

Answer 11

Lustre = gloss, sheen, sparkle, shine, cause by light
Drape = how fabric falls, hangs

Question 12

Durability

Answer 12

Abrasion resistance = withstand rubbing, wear and tear

Strength = resist breaking

Question 13

Comfort

Answer 13

Absorbency = ability absorb water
Elasticity = return to original shape
Thermal properties = withstand or transfer heat
Dimensional stability= inability to shrink/stretch

Question 14

Care

Answer 14

Effects of chemicals = withstand acids, alkalis, solvents
Sun resistance = withstand deterioration when exposed
Colour fastness = withstand colour change after exposure heat, water
Shrink resistance = inability to contract

Question 15

Fibre structure

Answer 15

Includes:

• external structure (fibre morphology)
• chemical composition
• internal structure
• amorphous structure
• crystalline structure

Question 16

External structure (fibre morphology)

Answer 16

Include:

• staple or filament fibres
• diameter, denier
• cross section shape
• surface characteristics (crimp)

Question 17

Chemical composition

Answer 17

What a fibre is made from.

E.g. cotton is made from cellulose and wool is made from protein

Question 18

Internal structure

Answer 18

• A monomer is basic unit of fibre
• Polymerisation = process of joining monomers to form chain or polymer’
• length of polymers varies between fibre

All contain crystalline and amorphous regions, they relate to arrangement of polymers.

Question 19

Amorphous Structure

Answer 19

Occurs when: polymers are in random arraignment, large distance between them, few binding forces
- week fibre
Properties: poor strength, low durability, good absorbency, easy dyed, more elasticity, good abrasion resistance

Question 20

Crystalline Structure

Answer 20

Occurs when: polymers are packed closely together in parallel arrangement, many binding forces.
-stronger fibres
Properties: strength, high durability, low absorbency, not dyed easy, less elasticity, poor abrasion resistance