Textiles Final - Properties of Fibers

favorable properties of bamboo

"eco friendly" fiber requiring no pesticides, excellent absorbency and wicking, naturally antimicrobial, durable, soft to high luster, excellent flexibility, and very soft hand.

unfavorable properties of acetate

weak fiber, poor abrasion resistance, poor resiliency, poor elasticity, thermoplastic, excess heat causes shrinkage, can change color with time, should be dry cleaned.

unfavorable properties of nylon

weakened by sunlight, low absorbency, builds static, thermoplastic.

favorable properties of cotton

-dull appearance and low luster -moderate tenacity -abrasion resistant -absorbs moisture quickly -wicking -soft hand -conducts heat -not special care in washing -inexpensive

favorable properties of rayon

-good drape and luster -conducts heat -moderate strength and elongation -soft -comfy -absorbent -inexpensive

unfavorable properties of cotton

-pills and lint -low resiliency -shrinks -low elastic recovery -remain damp

unfavorable properties of rayon

-weakens dramatically when wet -low resiliency -low dimensional stability -low elastic recovery -shrinks progressively -low abrasion resistance -should be dry cleaned

favorable properties of polyester

dries quickly, can be heat set, blends well with other fibers, excellent elongation with high elastic recovery, best wash and wear, very durable with excellent abrasion resistance, good sunlight resistance, high resiliency, moderate thermal retention, high dimensional stability.

favorable properties of spandex

excellent elasticity, good durability, resists body oils, does not deteriorate quickly, lightweight, can be dyed or printed.

favorable properties of sheep's wool

excellent resiliency, high elasticity, excellent flexibility, hygroscopic, abrasion resistant, flame resistant, good insulating properties, hides soil, and good drape.

favorable properties of flax

excellent strength, fair abrasion resistance, hydrophilic, wicking ability, resists dirt and stains, good luster, little to no pilling, can withstand high temps.

unfavorable properties of lyocell

fiber can splinter or fibrillate, pilling affects appearance and hand.

favorable properties of acetate

good drape, good luster, smooth hand, moderate resiliency, low to moderate absorbency, resistant to sunlight.

properties of cultivated silk

high luster and excellent drape. bad= expensive and requires dry cleaning.

unfavorable properties of flax

high tendency to wrinkle, stiff fiber, poor drape, slightly rough hand, low elasticity, very low resiliency, breaks with repeated bending

favorable properties of acrylic

lightweight, good thermal retention, moderate resiliency, good elongation and elastic recovery, excellent sunlight resistance, wicking ability,soft hand, moderate strength and abrasion resistance.

unfavorable properties of bamboo

low abrasion resistance

unfavorable properties of acrylic

low absorbency, weakens when wet, hydrophobic, pills, builds static.

unfavorable properties of sheep's wool

poor luster, coarse fibers can irritate, weaken when wet, fibers not very durable, dry clean, expensive to buy and maintain.

favorable properties of nylon

smooth,lightweight, extremely durable, high abrasion resistance, high elongation with excellent elastic recovery, retains appearance and shape through care, dries quickly, excellent resiliency, resists shrinkage, easy care.

favorable properties of lyocell

strongest of the cellulosic based fibers even when wet, moderate resiliency, good dimensional stability, good elastic recovery, fluid drape, lustrous, soft hand, comfortable, absorbent, relatively easy care

unfavorable properties of spandex

thermoplastic, hydrophobic, filaments breaks and go to surface, expensive