Overview
This lecture introduces essential textile terminology, focusing on types of fibers, their properties, structural differences, and how these characteristics influence textile performance and applications.
Fiber Basics
- A fiber is a fine, hair-like structure and the smallest unit of any textile product.
- Fibers are twisted together to form yarns, which are then woven or knitted into fabric.
- Fibers are classified as either natural (from plants/animals) or manufactured (synthetic/man-made).
Natural Fibers
- Cotton comes from the seed hairs of the cotton plant; it is soft, breathable, and versatile.
- Wool is obtained from animal fleece, has natural crimp, traps heat, resists flame, and absorbs moisture.
- Silk is produced by silkworms, has a smooth surface and triangular cross-section, giving it luster.
- Flax produces linen, which is strong, crisp, absorbent, and quick-drying; fibers are segmented and stiff.
Manufactured Fibers
- Manufactured (synthetic) fibers are created from petrochemicals, extruded through spinnerets into filaments.
- The spinneret's hole shape determines the fiber’s cross-section and properties.
- Extruded filaments can be used directly or cut into staple lengths to mimic natural fibers.
Fiber Structure: Staple vs. Filament
- Staple fibers are short and varied in length (most naturals like cotton, wool, flax).
- Filament fibers are long and continuous (silk and all manufactured fibers initially).
- Filament fibers produce smooth, lustrous fabrics; staple fibers yield fuzzier textures.
Monofilament vs. Multifilament
- Monofilament: one continuous fiber (e.g., fishing line).
- Multifilament: multiple filaments combined into a yarn.
- These terms apply only to filament fibers.
Fiber Properties & Performance
- Fiber selection affects textile performance, like softness, durability, and moisture resistance.
- Wool’s scales repel water/soil and make it wrinkle-resistant; felting occurs with heat/moisture.
- Serviceability is how well textiles meet needs (aesthetics, durability, comfort, care, cost).
Physical Characteristics of Fibers
- Length, shape, crimp (bends/twists), and diameter all influence performance.
- Fiber cross-section shapes: cotton (kidney bean), flax (oval with nodes), wool (round/coiled), silk (triangular).
- Fiber diameter: thicker fibers are stiffer; finer fibers are softer and more flexible.
- Denier measures fiber thickness (weight in grams of 9,000 m of fiber); higher denier = thicker fiber.
- Tex is another thickness unit: 1 tex = 1g per 1,000 m.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Fiber — the smallest unit of a textile product, fine and hair-like.
- Yarn — continuous strand made by twisting fibers together.
- Staple Fiber — short, discrete fiber lengths.
- Filament Fiber — long, continuous fiber strands.
- Spinneret — device used to extrude manufactured fibers into filaments.
- Crimp — natural or artificial bends/twists in a fiber.
- Denier — unit measuring fiber thickness (weight per 9,000 m).
- Tex — direct unit of fiber/yarn thickness (weight per 1,000 m).
- Monofilament — single, continuous fiber.
- Multifilament — yarn made of multiple filament strands.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and organize your notes on fiber types, properties, and structural differences.
- Prepare for upcoming labs and assignments by familiarizing yourself with these terms and concepts.