Chapter 3 Textile Fibers and Properties Natural fibers grows in fiber form come from plant or animals Manufactured fibers made into fibers from chemical compounds Regenerated fibers from a natural source but not found in fiber form Physical structure Length o Staple fibers short fibers measured in inches All natural fibers besides silk Tend to be fuzzy soft and comfortable o Filament fibers long continuous fiber strands measured in yards All man made start as filament Can be smooth or textured Filaments can be cut to imitate qualities of staple fibers Diameter o Thickness or thinness of a fiber o Affects performance and hand Cross section o Fiber shape o Affects luster body texture and hand o Natural fibers cross sections cannot be controlled manufactured fibers cross sections can be controlled Surface contour o Outer surface of the fiber along its length o Affects luster texture noticeable soiling Crimp o Also called longitudinal configuration o It is the wave formation of a fiber o Highly crimped fibers are more comfortable stretchy warm absorbent resistant to abrasion and resilient Luster amount of light reflected by a surface Drape the way a fabric falls Texture nature of fabric surface Hand the way a fabric feels on skin Resiliency ability to return to original shape after twisting or crushing wrinkles Durability maintain physical integrity Abrasion resistance withstand rubbing from regular use Flexibility the ability to bend without breaking Tenacity strength Pilling formation of tangled balls on fiber surface Elongation stretch without breaking Elasticity ability to stretch and recover Comfort the ability to keep the wearer in a neutral state Absorbency ability to take up moisture from the body of environment Hydrophilic absorbs moisture Hydrophobic little to no absorbency Hygroscopic absorbs moisture without feeling wet Wicking transfer moisture across surface Maintenance ability to remain in original state Dimensional stability ability to retain original size and shape through use and care Thermplasticity ability to soften with heat