Fibres Flashcards
Name two manufactured fibre types
- Regenerated
2. Synthetic
Name two natural plant fibres
- Cotton
2. Linen
Name two natural animals fibres
- Wool
- Silk
- Mohair
- Cashmere
Name two regenerated fibres
- Viscose
2. Acetate
Name two synthetic fibres
- Acrylic
- Elastane
- Nylon
- Polyester
Name properties and facts of cotton
Breathable Absorbent Creases easily Comfortable Soft handle Good drape
Name properties and facts of linen
Strong Durable Absorbent Easily creased Stiff Good drape Cool to wear
Name properties and facts of wool
Breathable Medium strength Natural stretch Good drape Hydrophobic Hydrophilic
Name properties and facts of silk (cultivated)
Soft handle Crease resistant Absorbent Strong Durable Good insulator Cool
Name properties and facts of silk (wild)
Coarse Rustic Heavier Absorbent Harsh handle
Name properties and facts of mohair
Soft Good thermal insulator Crease resistant Expensive Durable
Name properties and facts of cashmere
Luxurious handle
Good thermal insulator
Crease resistant
Expensive
Name properties and facts of viscose
Absorbent Breathable Not very insulating Low strength when wet Creases easily Not expensive Shrinks
Name properties and facts of acetate
Low absorbency Prone to static Naturally breathable Low warmth Creases easily Thermoplastic Soft handle
Name properties and facts of acrylic
Low absorbency - dries quicker Prone to static Good strength Crease resistant Warm Thermoplastic
Name properties and facts of elastane
High stretch
Crease resistant
Absorbent
Enhances drape always covered by another yarn
Name properties and facts of nylon
Inexpensive Non absorbent Strong Durable Good elasticity Thermoplastic Hydrophobic
Name properties and facts of polyester
Non absorbent Strong Durable Good elasticity Hydrophobic Thermoplastic
Name two natural fibre types
- Plant/cellulose
2. Animal/protein
Plant cellulose properties
Tend to be strong
Good at absorbing moisture - taking a long time to dry
Can be washed and ironed at high temperatures
Crease badly and shrink
Easily set alight
What does electrostatic charge mean
If a fibre contains ‘static’ it will be clingy and not drape well. Synthetic fibres are prone to this.
Words to use when you are describing fibre properties
Strength, extensibility, elasticity, fineness, electrostatic charge, lustre, thermal insulation, flammability, moisture absorption, shrinkage.
Name two stages in which fibres can be blended.
During staple yarn production, by blending different types of fibres
During fabric production, by mixing yarns made from different fibres or filaments.
What are the main reasons for blending fibres?
Reduce the cost
Give different effects in the texture and handle
To make the fabric stronger
To make the fabric easier to care for
To make them become more crease resistant
To allow fabrics to be heat set
To make specific qualities for the end use.
Name some popular blends?
Polyester and cotton, Wool and nylon, Cotton and Lycra, Silk and polyester, polyester, wool and Lycra.
Why would you make a polyester and cotton blend?
Polyester helps cancel out shrinkage, creasing and slow drying, while the cotton makes the fabric better at absorbing moisture and feel nicer next to the skin.
Viscose is typically used in blends because…?
Reduce the price as it’s cheap to produce,
Make the product more absorbent and softer handle.
What is a fibre blend?
Blending is achieved by spinning two or more fibres into one yarn.
What is a microfibre?
A synthetic fibre manufactured to less than one denier. This is nearly 60 times as thin as a human hair.
