Difference between revisions of "Fiber"

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* [[tow]]: a continuous strand of bundled but untwisted fibers.  
 
* [[tow]]: a continuous strand of bundled but untwisted fibers.  
 
* [[yarn]]: a continuous strand of twisted fibers.
 
* [[yarn]]: a continuous strand of twisted fibers.
 +
 +
Physical characteristics of fibers include:
 +
* shape, strength, elasticity, flexibility, weight, stability and ability to absorb moisture
 +
 +
==Properties of Synthetic Fibers (Part 1)==
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Fiber
 +
! Composition
 +
! Development  date
 +
! Common trade  name
 +
! colspan="2" | Density
 +
! Denier  (g/9000m)
 +
! Tenacity  (g/denier)
 +
! colspan="2" | Elongation at break (%)
 +
! Initial  modulus
 +
! Moisture<br />    regain (%)
 +
|-
 +
| acetate
 +
| cellulose triacetate
 +
| 1919
 +
| Celanese;  Arnel;<br />    Tenite
 +
| colspan="2" | 1.25-1.35
 +
|
 +
| 1.1-1.4<br />    (dry); 0.65-<br />    0.75 wet)
 +
| colspan="2" | 25-35 (dry);<br />    35-45 (wet)
 +
| 35-40
 +
| 6.5
 +
|-
 +
| acrylic
 +
| >85% acrylonitrile
 +
| 1950
 +
| Acrilan,  Creslan, Courtelle, Orlon
 +
| colspan="2" | 1.16-1.18
 +
| 2-8
 +
| 2-3.6  (dry)
 +
| colspan="2" | 20-55
 +
| 25-63
 +
| 1.0-3.0
 +
|-
 +
| aramid (meta)
 +
| poly-m-phenylene terephthalamide
 +
|
 +
| Nomex,  Conex
 +
| colspan="2" | 1.38
 +
| 2-5
 +
| 3-6
 +
| colspan="2" | 2-30
 +
| 130-150
 +
| 3.5
 +
|-
 +
| aramid (para)
 +
| poly-p-phenylene terephthalamide
 +
| 1965
 +
| Kevlar
 +
| colspan="2" | 1.44
 +
| 1.0-1.5
 +
| 25-30
 +
| colspan="2" | 3-6
 +
| 500-<br />    1000
 +
| 7.0
 +
|-
 +
| azlon
 +
| protein
 +
| 1930s
 +
| Aralac,  Ardil, Lanital
 +
| colspan="2" | 1.25-1.3
 +
|
 +
| 0.9-1.1<br />    (dry); 0.3-<br />    0.6 (wet)
 +
| colspan="2" | 60-70
 +
|
 +
| 14
 +
|-
 +
| modacrylic
 +
| 35-85% acrylonitrile
 +
| 1949
 +
| Dynel;  Verel, SEF
 +
| colspan="2" | 1.35-1.37
 +
| 2-8
 +
| 1.8-2.5<br />    (dry); 1.7-<br />    2.4 (wet)
 +
| colspan="2" | 35-48
 +
| 25-56
 +
| 0.4-4.0
 +
|-
 +
| nylon 6
 +
| polycaprolactam
 +
| 1939
 +
| Perlon;  Kapron, Power silk
 +
| colspan="2" | 1.14
 +
| 1.5-5
 +
| 3.8-8.3<br />    (dry); 3.5-<br />    7.1 (wet)
 +
| colspan="2" | 16-50 (dry);<br />    19-55 (wet)
 +
| 25-35
 +
| 3.5-5.0
 +
|-
 +
| nylon 6,6
 +
| polyhexamethylene adipamide
 +
| 1935
 +
| Fiber  66; Antron; Stainmaster
 +
| colspan="2" | 1.14
 +
| 1.5-5
 +
| 4.6-9.0<br />    (dry); 4.0-<br />    7.7 (wet)
 +
| colspan="2" | 19-40%<br />    (dry); 32-<br />    46% (wet)
 +
| 33-46
 +
| 3.8-4.5
 +
|-
 +
| nytril
 +
| >85% vinylidene dintrile
 +
| 1955;<br />    discontinued in 1970s
 +
| Darvan
 +
| colspan="2" | 1.18
 +
|
 +
| 2.0  (dry);<br />    1.7 (wet)
 +
| colspan="2" | 30
 +
|
 +
| 2-3
 +
|-
 +
| polyester
 +
| polyester terephthalate
 +
| 1941
 +
| Dacron,  Terylene; Hollytex
 +
| colspan="2" |
 +
| 1.5-5
 +
| 2.2-9.5
 +
| colspan="2" | 10-50
 +
| 25-50
 +
| 0.1-0.4
 +
|-
 +
| polyethylene
 +
| high density polyethylene
 +
| 1954
 +
| Tyvek;  Reevon
 +
| colspan="2" | 0.95-0.96
 +
| 2-10
 +
| 5.0-8.0
 +
| colspan="2" | 14-20
 +
|
 +
| <0.1
 +
|-
 +
| polypropylene
 +
| polypropylene
 +
| 1957
 +
| Herculon,  Marvess
 +
| colspan="2" | 0.85-0.94
 +
| 2-10
 +
| 3.5-9.0
 +
| colspan="2" | 15-35
 +
| 29-45
 +
| <0.1
 +
|-
 +
| polyurethane
 +
| >85%polyurethane
 +
| 1958
 +
| spandex,  Lycra
 +
| colspan="2" | 1.20-1.25
 +
| 2.5-20
 +
| 0.5-1.5
 +
| colspan="2" | 500-700
 +
|
 +
| 0.3-1.2
 +
|-
 +
| polyvinyl chloride
 +
| >85% vinyl chloride units
 +
|
 +
| vinyon;<br />    Evilon, Thermovyl
 +
| colspan="2" | 1.38-1.40
 +
|
 +
| 2.7-3.0  (wet<br />    or dry)
 +
| colspan="2" | 12-20
 +
|
 +
| 0
 +
|-
 +
| rayon (cupro)
 +
| regenerated cellulose
 +
| 1890
 +
| Cuprama;  Cupresa
 +
| colspan="2" | 1.54
 +
| 2-3
 +
| 1.7-2.3<br />    (dry); 1.1-<br />    1.135 (wet)
 +
| colspan="2" | 10-17 (dry);<br />    17-23 (wet)
 +
|
 +
| 11-12.5
 +
|-
 +
| rayon (viscose)
 +
| regenerated cellulose
 +
| 1892
 +
| Avtex
 +
| colspan="2" | 1.46-1.54
 +
| 2-3
 +
| 2.0-2.6<br />    (wdry); 1.0-<br />    1.5 (wet)
 +
| colspan="2" | 13-15 (dry);<br />    20-40 (wet)
 +
|
 +
| 11-16.6
 +
|-
 +
| vinal
 +
| >50% vinyl alcohol units
 +
| 1924
 +
| Synthofil;  Vinylon
 +
| colspan="2" | 1.26-1.30
 +
|
 +
| 3.0  -8.5<br />    (dry); 3.2-<br />    7.6 (wet)
 +
| colspan="2" | 9-26 (dry);<br />    10-27 (wet)
 +
|
 +
| 3.0-9.0
 +
|}
 +
==Properties of Synthetic Fibers (Part 2)==
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Fiber
 +
! colspan="2" | Degradation
 +
! colspan="2" | Dyes used
 +
! colspan="3" | Microscopic characteristics
 +
! colspan="3" | Applications
 +
|-
 +
| acetate
 +
| colspan="2" | Degrades in acids and concentrated alkalis
 +
| colspan="2" | disperse
 +
| colspan="3" | irregular cross section with multiple lobes;  lengthwise striations
 +
| colspan="3" | coats, suits, linings, cigarette filters
 +
|-
 +
| acrylic
 +
| colspan="2" | Susceptible to heat; accumulates static  charge
 +
| colspan="2" | basic, disperse, pigment
 +
| colspan="3" | variable cross section
 +
| colspan="3" | subsitute for wool in coats, sweaters,  hosiery, blankets, filters
 +
|-
 +
| aramid (meta)
 +
| colspan="2" | Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents  and UV light
 +
| colspan="2" |
 +
| colspan="3" | fiber is smooth; cross section is dogbone
 +
| colspan="3" | filter bags for hot stack gases,  flame-resistant clothing
 +
|-
 +
| aramid (para)
 +
| colspan="2" | Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents  and UV light
 +
| colspan="2" |
 +
| colspan="3" | fiber is smooth, cross section is circular
 +
| colspan="3" | radial tires belts, bulletproof vests, resin  reinforcements
 +
|-
 +
| azlon
 +
| colspan="2" | Degraded by alkalis; weak when wet;  susceptible to microbiological growths
 +
| colspan="2" |
 +
| colspan="3" | diameter=20-30 microns, cross section is  circular or bean-shaped, filament is smooth
 +
| colspan="3" | silk substitute
 +
|-
 +
| modacrylic
 +
| colspan="2" | Resistant to alkalis and acids
 +
| colspan="2" |
 +
| colspan="3" |
 +
| colspan="3" | flame-resistant clothing, artificial fur,  children's sleepwear, tents
 +
|-
 +
| nylon 6
 +
| colspan="2" | Degraded by concentrated acids and phenol;  resistant to alkalis and most organic solvents
 +
| colspan="2" | acid, disperse, mordant, pigment, reactive
 +
| colspan="3" | fiber is smooth, cross section is circular
 +
| colspan="3" | hosiery, lingerie, sports garments,  upholstery
 +
|-
 +
| nylon 6,6
 +
| colspan="2" | Degraded by concentrated acids and phenol;  resistant to alkalis and most organic solvents
 +
| colspan="2" | acid, disperse, mordant, pigment, reactive
 +
| colspan="3" | fiber is smooth, cross section is circular  or trilobal
 +
| colspan="3" | tires, ropes, seat belts, parachutes, fishing  lines and nets; surgical sutures; brushes
 +
|-
 +
| nytril
 +
| colspan="2" | Resistant to sunlight, oxidation and  insects.
 +
| colspan="2" |
 +
| colspan="3" | opaque, white with flattened or hook-shaped  cross section
 +
| colspan="3" | sweaters, pile fabrics, in wool blends
 +
|-
 +
| polyester
 +
| colspan="2" | Degrades in strong acids, strong alkalis and  creson.
 +
| colspan="2" | disperse, pigment
 +
| colspan="3" | smooth fibers; cross section may be  circular, trilobal or polygon
 +
| colspan="3" | permanent press clothing, fiberfill, carpets,  sewing thread, seat belts, yarns, nonwoven fabrics
 +
|-
 +
| polyethylene
 +
| colspan="2" | Resistant to acids, alkalis and bleaches;  dissolves in dry-cleaning solvents, degrades slowly in sunlight
 +
| colspan="2" | basic, disperse pigments
 +
| colspan="3" | cross section is circular or elliptical
 +
| colspan="3" | cordage, webbing; upholstery, outdoor  applications
 +
|-
 +
| polypropylene
 +
| colspan="2" | Resistant to strong acids and alkalis;  resistant to biodeterioration
 +
| colspan="2" | basic, disperse pigments
 +
| colspan="3" | cross section is circular or elliptical
 +
| colspan="3" | upholstery, carpets, ropes, nets, disposable  nonwoven fabrics
 +
|-
 +
| polyurethane
 +
| colspan="2" | Chlorine causes slow degradation
 +
| colspan="2" | acid, disperse, reactive, vat
 +
| colspan="3" |
 +
| colspan="3" | elastomeric fabrics; swimwere; althletic  clothes
 +
|-
 +
| polyvinyl chloride
 +
| colspan="2" | Soluble in chlorinated and aromatic  solvents; degrades with heat and light
 +
| colspan="2" | basic,<br />    disperse, pigment
 +
| colspan="3" | irregular cross section
 +
| colspan="3" | elastomeric fabrics; outdoor fabrics (tents,  awnings, rain gear etc)
 +
|-
 +
| rayon (cupro)
 +
| colspan="2" | Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and  undiluted bleaches.  Resistant to dry  cleaning solvents
 +
| colspan="2" |
 +
| colspan="3" | circular cross section with no striations
 +
| colspan="3" | sheer fabrics and netting; lightbulb  filaments
 +
|-
 +
| rayon (viscose)
 +
| colspan="2" | Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and  undiluted bleaches.  Resistant to dry  cleaning solvents
 +
| colspan="2" | direct
 +
| colspan="3" | lengthwise striations; early samples have  circular cross sections with serrations, later samples may be dog-boned or  trilobal
 +
| colspan="3" | rugs, cotton substitute, nonwoven fabrics,  paper (cellophane)
 +
|-
 +
| vinal
 +
| colspan="2" | Resistant to microorganisms, insects, and  most chemicals.
 +
| colspan="2" |
 +
| colspan="3" | fibers are smooth; cross section is round,  ben-shaped or u-shaped
 +
| colspan="3" | raincoats, jackets, umbrellas, tarps,  fishnets, awnings.
 +
|}
 +
==Fiber Burn Tests==
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Fiber
 +
! Appearance
 +
! Odor
 +
! Residue
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | Natural fibers
 +
|-
 +
| Cotton
 +
| Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, similar to paper
 +
| burnt paper
 +
| burnt ends look bushy
 +
|-
 +
| Linen
 +
| Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, similar to paper
 +
| burnt paper
 +
| burnt ends appear melted together
 +
|-
 +
| Silk
 +
| Burns and bubbles faster than wool with a yellow flame
 +
| burnt hair (mild)
 +
| black, brittle, spherical beads
 +
|-
 +
| Weighted silk
 +
| Does not burn; the fabric will char
 +
| burnt hair (faint)
 +
| fabric retains shape
 +
|-
 +
| Wool
 +
| Burns slowly; bubbles while burning; easy to put out flame
 +
| burnt hair (strong)
 +
| black, brittle, irregular beads
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" | Synthetic fibers
 +
|-
 +
| Acrylic
 +
| Burns readily with smoky flame
 +
| acidic
 +
| hard ash
 +
|-
 +
| Aramid
 +
| Does not burn
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| Cellulose acetate
 +
| Burns fast with a yellow flame; may melt and sputter
 +
| burnt paper
 +
| hard, black beads; similar to silk
 +
|-
 +
| Modacrylic
 +
| Self-extinguishing
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| Nylon
 +
| Melts first, then ignites and burns rapidly.
 +
| burnt plastic
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| Polyester
 +
| Difficult to ignite, self-extinguishing. Burns with shiny,  yellow-orange, sooty flame.
 +
| sweet
 +
| hard ash
 +
|-
 +
| Polyethylene
 +
| Burns with a heavy, sooty, waxy smoke. Softens at 120 C.
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| Polypropylene
 +
| Burns with a heavy, sooty, waxy smoke.
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| Polyurethane
 +
| Burns with bright flame and minimal smoke
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| Polyvinyl chloride
 +
| Burns with green smoky flame, self- extinguishing.
 +
| acidic; releases hydrochloric acid
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| Rayon (regenerated cellulose)
 +
| Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, similar to paper
 +
| burnt paper
 +
| light, white ash
 +
|-
 +
| Vinal
 +
| Does not burn
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|}
  
 
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
 
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
Line 20: Line 433:
 
fibers; fibre (Br., Fr.); fibra (Esp.); vezel (Ned); fibrous substance;
 
fibers; fibre (Br., Fr.); fibra (Esp.); vezel (Ned); fibrous substance;
  
−
== Physical and Chemical Properties ==
+
== For easy printing and to download ==
−
 
 
−
Fibers are characterized by their shape, strength, elasticity, flexibility, weight, stability and ability to absorb moisture
 
−
 
 
−
== Comparisons ==
 
  
 
[[media:download_file_49.pdf|Properties of Synthetic Fibers]]
 
[[media:download_file_49.pdf|Properties of Synthetic Fibers]]
Line 34: Line 443:
 
== Resources and Citations ==
 
== Resources and Citations ==
 
* G.Cook, ''Handbook of Textile Fibres:I. Natural Fibres'', 5th edition, Merrow Publishing Co., Durham, England, 1984.
 
* G.Cook, ''Handbook of Textile Fibres:I. Natural Fibres'', 5th edition, Merrow Publishing Co., Durham, England, 1984.
 +
* J.Gordon Cook, ''Handbook of Textile Fibres:II Man-made Fibres'', Merrow Publishing Co. , Durham, England
 
* ''Fairchild's Dictionary of Textiles'', Phyllis G.Tortora, Robert S. Merkel (eds.), Fairchild Publications, New York City, 7th edition, 1996
 
* ''Fairchild's Dictionary of Textiles'', Phyllis G.Tortora, Robert S. Merkel (eds.), Fairchild Publications, New York City, 7th edition, 1996
−
 
 
* Hoechst Celanese Corporation, ''Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology'' (older version called Man-made Fiber and Textile Dictionary, 1965), Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Charlotte NC, 1990
 
* Hoechst Celanese Corporation, ''Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology'' (older version called Man-made Fiber and Textile Dictionary, 1965), Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Charlotte NC, 1990
−
 
 
* ''The Dictionary of Paper'', American Paper Institute, New York, Fourth Edition, 1980
 
* ''The Dictionary of Paper'', American Paper Institute, New York, Fourth Edition, 1980
−
 
 
* E.J.LaBarre, ''Dictionary and Encyclopedia of Paper and Paper-making'', Swets & Zeitlinger, Amsterdam, 1969
 
* E.J.LaBarre, ''Dictionary and Encyclopedia of Paper and Paper-making'', Swets & Zeitlinger, Amsterdam, 1969
−
 
 
* R. J. Gettens, G.L. Stout, ''Painting Materials, A Short Encyclopaedia'', Dover Publications, New York, 1966
 
* R. J. Gettens, G.L. Stout, ''Painting Materials, A Short Encyclopaedia'', Dover Publications, New York, 1966
−
 
 
* G.S.Brady, ''Materials Handbook'', McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971
 
* G.S.Brady, ''Materials Handbook'', McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971
−
 
 
* Mary-Lou Florian, Dale Paul Kronkright, Ruth E. Norton, ''The Conservation of Artifacts Made from Plant Materials'', The Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles, 1990
 
* Mary-Lou Florian, Dale Paul Kronkright, Ruth E. Norton, ''The Conservation of Artifacts Made from Plant Materials'', The Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles, 1990
−
 
 
* Matt Roberts, Don Etherington, ''Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books: a Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology'', U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1982
 
* Matt Roberts, Don Etherington, ''Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books: a Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology'', U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1982
−
 
 
* A.Lucas, J.R.Harris, ''Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries'', Edward Arnold Publishers Ltd., London, 4th edition, 1962
 
* A.Lucas, J.R.Harris, ''Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries'', Edward Arnold Publishers Ltd., London, 4th edition, 1962
−
 
 
* Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', ''Engineered Plastics'', ASM International, 1988
 
* Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', ''Engineered Plastics'', ASM International, 1988
−
 
 
* Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, https://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000
 
* Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, https://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000
  
  
  
−
[[Category:Materials database]]
+
[[Category:Materials database]][[Category:MWG]][[Category:Comparisons]][[Category: Sheet, Fabric]]

Revision as of 13:51, 14 October 2024

Coiled fiber basket
MFA# 99.134

Description

A long, thin filament with a length at least 100 times its diameter. Fibers are used to make fabric, paper, mats and as fillers and strengtheners in composite materials.

The types of fiber are characterized as:

  • staple: short fibers.
  • monofilaments: continuous single fibers.
  • Tow: a continuous strand of bundled but untwisted fibers.
  • Yarn: a continuous strand of twisted fibers.

Physical characteristics of fibers include:

  • shape, strength, elasticity, flexibility, weight, stability and ability to absorb moisture

Properties of Synthetic Fibers (Part 1)

Fiber Composition Development date Common trade name Density Denier (g/9000m) Tenacity (g/denier) Elongation at break (%) Initial modulus Moisture
regain (%)
acetate cellulose triacetate 1919 Celanese; Arnel;
Tenite 		1.25-1.35 1.1-1.4
(dry); 0.65-
0.75 wet) 		25-35 (dry);
35-45 (wet) 		35-40 6.5
acrylic >85% acrylonitrile 1950 Acrilan, Creslan, Courtelle, Orlon 1.16-1.18 2-8 2-3.6 (dry) 20-55 25-63 1.0-3.0
aramid (meta) poly-m-phenylene terephthalamide Nomex, Conex 1.38 2-5 3-6 2-30 130-150 3.5
aramid (para) poly-p-phenylene terephthalamide 1965 Kevlar 1.44 1.0-1.5 25-30 3-6 500-
1000 		7.0
azlon protein 1930s Aralac, Ardil, Lanital 1.25-1.3 0.9-1.1
(dry); 0.3-
0.6 (wet) 		60-70 14
modacrylic 35-85% acrylonitrile 1949 Dynel; Verel, SEF 1.35-1.37 2-8 1.8-2.5
(dry); 1.7-
2.4 (wet) 		35-48 25-56 0.4-4.0
nylon 6 polycaprolactam 1939 Perlon; Kapron, Power silk 1.14 1.5-5 3.8-8.3
(dry); 3.5-
7.1 (wet) 		16-50 (dry);
19-55 (wet) 		25-35 3.5-5.0
nylon 6,6 polyhexamethylene adipamide 1935 Fiber 66; Antron; Stainmaster 1.14 1.5-5 4.6-9.0
(dry); 4.0-
7.7 (wet) 		19-40%
(dry); 32-
46% (wet) 		33-46 3.8-4.5
nytril >85% vinylidene dintrile 1955;
discontinued in 1970s 		Darvan 1.18 2.0 (dry);
1.7 (wet) 		30 2-3
polyester polyester terephthalate 1941 Dacron, Terylene; Hollytex 1.5-5 2.2-9.5 10-50 25-50 0.1-0.4
polyethylene high density polyethylene 1954 Tyvek; Reevon 0.95-0.96 2-10 5.0-8.0 14-20 <0.1
polypropylene polypropylene 1957 Herculon, Marvess 0.85-0.94 2-10 3.5-9.0 15-35 29-45 <0.1
polyurethane >85%polyurethane 1958 spandex, Lycra 1.20-1.25 2.5-20 0.5-1.5 500-700 0.3-1.2
polyvinyl chloride >85% vinyl chloride units vinyon;
Evilon, Thermovyl 		1.38-1.40 2.7-3.0 (wet
or dry) 		12-20 0
rayon (cupro) regenerated cellulose 1890 Cuprama; Cupresa 1.54 2-3 1.7-2.3
(dry); 1.1-
1.135 (wet) 		10-17 (dry);
17-23 (wet) 		11-12.5
rayon (viscose) regenerated cellulose 1892 Avtex 1.46-1.54 2-3 2.0-2.6
(wdry); 1.0-
1.5 (wet) 		13-15 (dry);
20-40 (wet) 		11-16.6
vinal >50% vinyl alcohol units 1924 Synthofil; Vinylon 1.26-1.30 3.0 -8.5
(dry); 3.2-
7.6 (wet) 		9-26 (dry);
10-27 (wet) 		3.0-9.0

Properties of Synthetic Fibers (Part 2)

Fiber Degradation Dyes used Microscopic characteristics Applications
acetate Degrades in acids and concentrated alkalis disperse irregular cross section with multiple lobes; lengthwise striations coats, suits, linings, cigarette filters
acrylic Susceptible to heat; accumulates static charge basic, disperse, pigment variable cross section subsitute for wool in coats, sweaters, hosiery, blankets, filters
aramid (meta) Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents and UV light fiber is smooth; cross section is dogbone filter bags for hot stack gases, flame-resistant clothing
aramid (para) Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents and UV light fiber is smooth, cross section is circular radial tires belts, bulletproof vests, resin reinforcements
azlon Degraded by alkalis; weak when wet; susceptible to microbiological growths diameter=20-30 microns, cross section is circular or bean-shaped, filament is smooth silk substitute
modacrylic Resistant to alkalis and acids flame-resistant clothing, artificial fur, children's sleepwear, tents
nylon 6 Degraded by concentrated acids and phenol; resistant to alkalis and most organic solvents acid, disperse, mordant, pigment, reactive fiber is smooth, cross section is circular hosiery, lingerie, sports garments, upholstery
nylon 6,6 Degraded by concentrated acids and phenol; resistant to alkalis and most organic solvents acid, disperse, mordant, pigment, reactive fiber is smooth, cross section is circular or trilobal tires, ropes, seat belts, parachutes, fishing lines and nets; surgical sutures; brushes
nytril Resistant to sunlight, oxidation and insects. opaque, white with flattened or hook-shaped cross section sweaters, pile fabrics, in wool blends
polyester Degrades in strong acids, strong alkalis and creson. disperse, pigment smooth fibers; cross section may be circular, trilobal or polygon permanent press clothing, fiberfill, carpets, sewing thread, seat belts, yarns, nonwoven fabrics
polyethylene Resistant to acids, alkalis and bleaches; dissolves in dry-cleaning solvents, degrades slowly in sunlight basic, disperse pigments cross section is circular or elliptical cordage, webbing; upholstery, outdoor applications
polypropylene Resistant to strong acids and alkalis; resistant to biodeterioration basic, disperse pigments cross section is circular or elliptical upholstery, carpets, ropes, nets, disposable nonwoven fabrics
polyurethane Chlorine causes slow degradation acid, disperse, reactive, vat elastomeric fabrics; swimwere; althletic clothes
polyvinyl chloride Soluble in chlorinated and aromatic solvents; degrades with heat and light basic,
disperse, pigment 		irregular cross section elastomeric fabrics; outdoor fabrics (tents, awnings, rain gear etc)
rayon (cupro) Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and undiluted bleaches. Resistant to dry cleaning solvents circular cross section with no striations sheer fabrics and netting; lightbulb filaments
rayon (viscose) Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and undiluted bleaches. Resistant to dry cleaning solvents direct lengthwise striations; early samples have circular cross sections with serrations, later samples may be dog-boned or trilobal rugs, cotton substitute, nonwoven fabrics, paper (cellophane)
vinal Resistant to microorganisms, insects, and most chemicals. fibers are smooth; cross section is round, ben-shaped or u-shaped raincoats, jackets, umbrellas, tarps, fishnets, awnings.

Fiber Burn Tests

Fiber Appearance Odor Residue
Natural fibers
Cotton Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, similar to paper burnt paper burnt ends look bushy
Linen Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, similar to paper burnt paper burnt ends appear melted together
Silk Burns and bubbles faster than wool with a yellow flame burnt hair (mild) black, brittle, spherical beads
Weighted silk Does not burn; the fabric will char burnt hair (faint) fabric retains shape
Wool Burns slowly; bubbles while burning; easy to put out flame burnt hair (strong) black, brittle, irregular beads
Synthetic fibers
Acrylic Burns readily with smoky flame acidic hard ash
Aramid Does not burn
Cellulose acetate Burns fast with a yellow flame; may melt and sputter burnt paper hard, black beads; similar to silk
Modacrylic Self-extinguishing
Nylon Melts first, then ignites and burns rapidly. burnt plastic
Polyester Difficult to ignite, self-extinguishing. Burns with shiny, yellow-orange, sooty flame. sweet hard ash
Polyethylene Burns with a heavy, sooty, waxy smoke. Softens at 120 C.
Polypropylene Burns with a heavy, sooty, waxy smoke.
Polyurethane Burns with bright flame and minimal smoke
Polyvinyl chloride Burns with green smoky flame, self- extinguishing. acidic; releases hydrochloric acid
Rayon (regenerated cellulose) Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, similar to paper burnt paper light, white ash
Vinal Does not burn

Synonyms and Related Terms

fibers; fibre (Br., Fr.); fibra (Esp.); vezel (Ned); fibrous substance;

For easy printing and to download

Properties of Synthetic Fibers

Properties of Natural Fibers

Fiber Burn Tests

Resources and Citations

  • G.Cook, Handbook of Textile Fibres:I. Natural Fibres, 5th edition, Merrow Publishing Co., Durham, England, 1984.
  • J.Gordon Cook, Handbook of Textile Fibres:II Man-made Fibres, Merrow Publishing Co. , Durham, England
  • Fairchild's Dictionary of Textiles, Phyllis G.Tortora, Robert S. Merkel (eds.), Fairchild Publications, New York City, 7th edition, 1996
  • Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology (older version called Man-made Fiber and Textile Dictionary, 1965), Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Charlotte NC, 1990
  • The Dictionary of Paper, American Paper Institute, New York, Fourth Edition, 1980
  • E.J.LaBarre, Dictionary and Encyclopedia of Paper and Paper-making, Swets & Zeitlinger, Amsterdam, 1969
  • R. J. Gettens, G.L. Stout, Painting Materials, A Short Encyclopaedia, Dover Publications, New York, 1966
  • G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971
  • Mary-Lou Florian, Dale Paul Kronkright, Ruth E. Norton, The Conservation of Artifacts Made from Plant Materials, The Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles, 1990
  • Matt Roberts, Don Etherington, Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books: a Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1982
  • A.Lucas, J.R.Harris, Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries, Edward Arnold Publishers Ltd., London, 4th edition, 1962
  • Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988
  • Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, https://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000

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