Unit 1 - Lecture 5 Topic 1

Question 1

Hydrophilic:

Answer 1

Strong affinity for water – water loving. Ie. Cotton

Question 2

Hydrophobic:

Answer 2

Lacks affinity for water – tends to repel water. Ie. Polyester

Question 3

Hygroscopic:

Answer 3

Readily absorbs moisture without feeling wet. Ie. wool

Question 4

Absorbency:

Answer 4

The ability of a fibre to take water into its internal structure. Wool is very absorbent, polypropylene is not.

Question 5

Adsorbency:

Answer 5

Fibre holds water on its surface.

Question 6

Moisture Regain:

Answer 6

Ratio of mass of moisture in a material to its oven-dry mass. Using moisture regain we can describe how hygroscopic a fibre is compared to another. Calculated by: ((wet weight - dry weight)/dry weight) x100 = % moisture regain

Question 7

Wicking:

Answer 7

Spread of water through a fabric (vertically or horizontally) by capillary action.

Question 8

Drying Rate:

Answer 8

How quickly a fabric may dry.

Question 9

Water repellent:

Answer 9

Resistance of fabric to surface wetting. Usually achieved through the use of a finish.

Question 10

Waterproof/Water Resistant:

Answer 10

Ability of fabric to be fully resistant to penetration by water.

Question 11

Water Vapour Permeability:

Answer 11

Diffusion of water vapour through a fabric.