The nature of fibers is the fundamental factor that determines the performance of fabrics. Therefore, fabrics woven from different types of fibers have their own unique properties.
(1) The main characteristics of cotton fiber are fineness, moderate length, softness and natural twist, good moisture absorption and warmth retention properties. Cotton fiber can not only spin , thick special yarn, can also be spun into fine special yarn. It can achieve a “mercerizing” effect with moderate interaction with alkali and has good dyeing performance. For this reason, cotton fabric has excellent wearing properties such as softness, warmth, moisture absorption, breathability, and comfortable wearing. Its main disadvantage is poor wrinkle recovery performance.
(2) The main characteristics of wool fiber are natural curl, low initial modulus, small bending stiffness, strong elastic recovery and low thermal conductivity; the hygroscopicity of wool is The first natural fiber, it also has good moisture dissipation properties; there are scales on the surface of wool fibers, which make wool fabrics have milling properties and make the fabrics have a soft luster. Wool fibers have a good affinity for dyes, so the colors of wool fabrics are also more beautiful. Wool fabrics are stiff and elastic, soft and bodied, smooth (slippery) and plump. These are the so-called “hairy textures”.
(3) Natural silk is slender and soft, has a smooth surface, is elastic, has strong hygroscopicity, and has a gorgeous and noble luster. Silk has a good affinity for dyes and is more elastic than cotton fiber. Silk fabrics are less prone to wrinkles than cotton fabrics. Therefore, silk fabric has the characteristics of smooth, stiff, refreshing, bright and good drape.
(4) Hemp fiber is characterized by high strength, stiffness, strong hygroscopicity and quick moisture release. The disadvantage is low elasticity and stretch. The woven fabric is stiff and breathable, and can easily absorb sweat discharged by the human body and dissipate it quickly.
(5) Chemical fibers: There are currently many types and they are developing rapidly. They are changing with each passing day. Different fiber types have great differences in fabric properties. The following are the more widely used ones.
①Viscose fiber: its properties are close to cotton, but its strength is worse than cotton, especially its wet strength is low, its elongation is large but its recovery performance is small, its stiffness is small, its feel is soft, and its hygroscopicity Strong, good breathability and good dyeability. Therefore, viscose fiber fabric is soft, comfortable to wear, bright in color and has good drape. The disadvantage is the lack of body bones and a “floating” feeling. It is easy to wrinkle and deform, has a large shrinkage rate and poor dimensional stability.
②Polyester fiber: high strength, good elasticity, strong wear resistance, large initial modulus when stretched, good rigidity, and strong deformation recovery performance. Polyester fabric is stiff, elastic, dimensionally stable, fast, and has excellent wrinkle resistance. The disadvantages are poor hygroscopicity, easy generation of static electricity, easy staining of fabrics, poor air permeability, and stuffiness when worn. But it is easy to wash, quick-drying, and does not require ironing. It is known as “wash and wear”. </p
