1.
Shape- Length should not be less than
0.5” for staple fibers. Fibers that too short are measured in inches or centimeters
rather than yards or meters are called staple. Filament is the term for fiber
that can be measured in yards or meters (e.g. silk, Polyester). Some manmade
fibers are manufactured in both staple and filament lengths.
2.
Strength- Should not be less than 1gm/denier
to withstand wear and tear during weaving and knitting.
3.
Extensibility and elasticity- must
have a certain minimum amount of extensibility so as to withstand sudden
strains placed on it. Elasticity helps fabrics to conform to specific contours
of the body and to maintain their original shape in use and wear.
4.
Softness- most desired for apparels
and especially underwear. Softness and mechanical softening (by special type calendaring)
are available to impart or increase softness if the fiber naturally lacked it.
5.
Luster-generally a subdued luster is
preferred for clothing purposes. Various finishing processes (e.g. calendaring)
are available for changing the natural luster of fiber generally it is more
difficult to increase the luster than to lower it, Luster of a man-made fiber
can be reduced by adding delustrant into the fiber composition and cotton can
be given a permanent silky luster by a process called mercerization.
6.
Abrasion resistance-should have
resistance to repeated creasing or bending.
7.
Affinity towards dyes-not only must be
capable of being colored but it must be amendable to dyeing in really fast
shades. Generally synthetic fiber offer difficulty in dyeing.
8.
Resistance to deterioration influences
including light (particularly sunlight), heat, bacteria, mildew, fungi, wet or
damp conditions, corrosive chemicals etc- ultraviolet rays of sunlight can be
very harmful for fibers. They generally induce oxidation of the fiber and also
of any dyes which may be present. Certain days of orange or yellow shades are
very dangerous in this respect. Prolonged exposure of fabrics and garments to
damp conditions is always certain to shorten their life. The moisture assists
attack by all kinds of bacteria and organisms. When bacteria or microorganisms
thrive in a piece of fabric they either weaken this by living on its substances
or excrete substances which are corrosive to the fabric. (Read previous>
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