natural and synthetic fibers Flashcards
identify advantages and disadvantages of each fiber
Advantages- versatile, strong, durable, comfortable, soft, absorbs moisture, doesn’t cling, dyes easily
Disadvantages-not resilient, wrinkles, shrinks in hot water, will mildew, flammable, often combined with other fibers
Cotton
Advantages- stronger than cotton, comfortable, absorbs moisture, durable, lint free
Disadvantages- not resilient, wrinkles easily, shrinks, mildew, hard to remove creases
Flax/Linen
advantages- provides warmth, durable, resilient, resists wrinkling, absorbs moisture, resists abrasion, naturally flame resistant
disadvantages- damaged by moths and other insects, shrinks and mats, may pill, absorbs odor
Wool
Advantages- natural luster, strong yet light weight, smooth
Disadvantages- weakened by sunlight and perspiration, may yellow with age, may water spot
Silk
Advantages- Made of china grass, strongest fibers, resistant to insects, mildew
Disadvantages- stiff and brittle
Ramie
Advantages made of latex, comes from trees, waterproofs coats, hats, boots, provides elasticity for waistbands, used as backing for rugs and recreational items
Disadvantages -breaks down
Rubber
Expensive, softer, finer lustrous, dry clean, alpaca, camel hair, cashmere, llama, mohair, vicuna
Animal FIbers
Advantages-Wrinkle resistant, strong, resistant to abrasion, dries quickly, blends well, retains heat
Disadvantages- absorbs oily stains, low absorbency, may feel hot in summer
Polyester
advantages-very strong, resilient, lustrous, dries quickly
disadvantages- may yellow or gray, heat sensitive, low moisture absorbency
made into swimsuits, tents, pantyhose
Nylon
advantages- soft and comfortable, high moisture absorbency, drapable
disadvantages- may wrinkle or shrink
made into drapes, blouses, linen like garments
Rayon
advantages- soft and warm, resilient, resists abrasion and flames, fast drying, moth resistant
disadvantages- heat resistant, accumulates static
made into pile fabrics, fake fur, wigs
Modacrylic
advantages- wicking properties, light weight, strong, quick drying, resistant to abrasion
disadvantages-heat sensitive
made into carpeting, upholstery disposable diapers
Olefin
Advantages-Soft, warm, wool like, light weight, wrinkle resistant, resistant to moths
Disadvantages-static electricity, heat sensitive
Acrylic
advantages-excellent elasticity
Disadvantages-damaged by chlorine bleach, damaged by heat
Spandex
advantages- silklike appearance, soft drapable, dries quickly,resistant to shrinking
disadvantages- wrinkle, low abrasion resistance, heat sensitive, damaged by acetone
acetate
