PROPERTIES OF TEXTILE FIBER | FIBER PROPERTIES

To know more about a thing that increases the uses of those things. Here we will discuss some properties of the fiber. 

There are three types of fiber properties:

   

    1)  Physical properties 

    2) Mechanical properties 

    3) Chemical properties 

Physical Properties: 

Length: The length of fiber also classified into two classes. They are respectfully 1) Staple fiber and 2) Filament fiber.

1) Stale fiber: They are mainly short fiber.

2) Filament Fibers are continuous length fiber.

Fineness: A multitude of fibers in the cross-section provides not only high strength but also better distribution in the yarn. how many fibers are present in the cross-section of yarn of given thickness determines the fineness. Additional fibers in the cross-section provide not only adds strength but also better evenness in the yarn. The fineness of natural fiber is a major factor in ascertaining the quality and is measured in microns (1 micron = 1/1000 mm). In general, finer fibers are softer, more pliable, and have better drivability. The fineness of man-made fibers is controlled by the size of spinneret holes.

Fiber fineness influences primarily-

1) Spinning limit

2) Yarn strength;

·    3) Yarn evenness;

·    4) Yarn fullness;

·    5) Drape of the fabric;

·    6)  Luster; 

     7) Handle and 

     8) The productivity of the process.

Maturity: 

Fiber maturity (in the case of Cotton Fiber) is a fiber characteristic that expresses the relative degree of thickening of the fiber wall. In other words, it is the measure of primary and secondary wall thickness. 

50-80% of the  round cross-section - Mature

30-45%-immature

less than 25%- dead fiber

Luster:  

In general, the term for the amount of light reflected from a surface.

Resiliency: 

Resiliency refers to the power of fiber to return back to its original position after being creased or folded. Resilient fibers recover quickly from wrinkling or creasing. Good elastic recovery usually indicates good resiliency.

Flexibility: 

Fibers should be flexible or pliable so as to be made into yarns and thereafter into fabrics that let freedom of movement. Example-  automobile seat belts.

Elongation:

The maximum point of extension from there the fiber can recover. they need to be ready to deform (e.g. at knee or elbow) so as to face up to high loading (and also during processing), but they need to also return to shape. The fiber elongation should therefore be a minimum of 1-2% (glass fibers), and preferably slightly more.

1)  Cotton 6-10%;

2) Wool 25-45%.     

  The following scale represents the cotton fiber elongation 

1) Below 5.0% = very low;

      2) 5.0-5.8% = low;

      3) 5.9-6.7% = average;

      4) 6.8-7.6% = high;

      5) Above 7.6% = very high

Elongation classification: 

1) Permanent elongation

2) Elastic elongation

3) Breaking elongation

Permanent elongation: After a certain elongation fiber does not exist is called  Permanent elongation

Elastic elongation: By this property of the fiber its return on relaxation.

Breaking elongation: The highest point of extension of the fiber until it breaks.

Moisture Absorption:

The ability of a fiber to absorb moisture is referred to in moisture regain or moisture content. The quantity of moisture picked up varies with the relative humidity and the temperature of the atmosphere-The standard values are relative humidity of 65% and a temperature of 20 °C.

Moisture Content:

Moisture Content % =      Moisture        x 100 %

                                          Total Mass

Moisture Regain:

Moisture Regain % =          Moisture         x 100 %

                                            Dry Mass

Mechanical Properties: 

Strength: Strength is very often the predominant characteristic.Approximately 6 cN/tex (about 6 km breaking length) minimum strength for textile fiber. Since binding of the fibers into the yarn is achieved mainly by twisting and thus can exploit only 30 - 70% of the strength of the material, a lower borderline of about 3 cN/tex is finally obtained for the yarn strength, the minimum strength of the yarn. 

Chemical Properties:

Reaction with Acids: 

Most of the cellulose-based fibers dissolve in acids. While Protein Fibers has quite good resistance to Acids. Synthetic fibers have less or no reaction with acids at low temperatures and low concentrations. But reacts at high temperatures and concentrations.

Reaction with Alkali: 

maximum fiber reacts with alkalis which fibers contain the protein. While Cellulosic fibers have good resistance to alkali. Synthetic fibers have less or no reaction with acids at low temperatures and low concentrations. But reacts at high temperatures and concentrations.

Reaction to Organic Solvents: 

 Because these solvents have a high tendency to contact fabrics in day-to-day usage.

Organic Solvents

                1. Ethyl alcohol

                2. Methyl alcohol

                3. Paint thinner

               

Effects of Bleaching: 

Bleaching is used everywhere in the textile industry. Fiber must be resistant to bleaching at least to a certain stage to become a good textile fiber. Bleaching is done in the fiber stage, Fabric stage, and garment stage as well.

Ability to Dye:

Since people are interested and interacted with colors, it is important for textile fibers as well.