Comparison Table of Different Textile Fiber Properties
Md. Jasimuddin Mandal
Govt. College of Engineering and Textile Technology,
Serampore, India.
Email: jasimmandal@gmail.com
Comparison Table of Different Textile Fiber:
Fiber is a unit of matter, either cellulosic or synthetic or regenerated, that forms the basic element of fabrics and other textile structures. A fiber is characterized by having a length at least 100 times its diameter or width. The term refers to units that can be spun into a yarn or made into a fabric by various methods including weaving, knitting, braiding, felting, and twisting. The essential requirements for fibers to be spun into yarn include a length of at least 5 millimeters, flexibility, cohesiveness, and sufficient strength. Other important properties include elasticity, fineness, uniformity, durability, and luster.
In this article I will compare different fibers properties in case of moisture regain, effects of sunlight, effects of organic solvents, effects of alkalis, effect of acids etc.
Moisture Regain of Fibers:
| Fiber | Moisture Regain (%) |
| Cotton | 7-11 |
| Silk | 11 |
| Wool | 17 |
| Viscose Rayon | 13 |
| Acetate fiber | 6.5 |
| Nylon6, 6.6 | 4 |
| Acrylic fiber | 1-2 |
| Polyester (PET) fiber | 0.4 |
Sunlight on Common Textile Fibers:
| Fiber | Effects of Sunlight |
| Acrylic | Some little effect or no effect. |
| Modacrylic | Highly resistant, some loss of strength and discoloration after constant exposure. |
| Polyester | Some loss of strength, no discoloration, very resistant behind glass. |
| Rayon | Generally resistant, loss of strength after long exposure. |
| Acetate | Generally resistant, loss of strength after long exposure. |
| Triacetate | Resistant, loss of strength after long exposure. |
| Nylon 66 | No discoloration, strength loss after long exposure. |
| Glass | No effect. |
| Cotton | Strength loss on long exposure. |
| Wool | Strength loss, dyeing is affected. |
Effects of Organic Solvents on Common textile Fibers:
| Fiber | Effects of Organic Solvents |
| Acrylic | Unaffected. |
| Modacrylic | Soluble in warm acetone, otherwise unaffected. |
| Polyester | Soluble in some phenolic compounds, otherwise unaffected. |
| Rayon | Unaffected. |
| Acetate | Soluble in acetone, dissolved or swollen by many others. |
| Triacetate | Soluble in acetone, chloroform and swollen by others. |
| Nylon 66 | Generally unaffected, soluble in some phenolic compounds. |
| Glass | Unaffected. |
| Cotton | Resistant. |
| Wool | Generally resistant. |
Effects of Alkalis on Common Textile Fibers:
| Fiber | Effects of Alkalis |
| Acrylic | Destroyed by strong alkalis at a boil, resists weak alkalis. |
| Modacrylic | Resistant to alkalis. |
| Polyester | Resistant to cold alkalis, slowly decomposed at a boil by strong alkalis. |
| Rayon | No effect by cold, weak alkalis swells and loses strength in concentrated alkalis. |
| Acetate | Saponified, little effect from cold weak alkalis. |
| Triacetate | Not effected up to pH 9.8,205º F; better than acetate. |
| Nylon 66 | Little or no effect. |
| Glass | Attacked by hot weak alkalis and concentrated alkalis. |
| Cotton | Swells when treated with caustic soda but is not damaged. |
| Wool | Attacked by weak alkalis, destroyed by strong alkalis. |
Effects of Acids on Common Fibers:
| Fiber | Effects of Acids |
| Acrylic | Resistant to most acids. |
| Modacrylic | Resistant to most acids. |
| Polyester | Resistant to most mineral acids disintegrated by 96% sulphuric acid. |
| Rayon | Disintegrates in hot dilute and cold concentrated acids. |
| Acetate | Soluble in acetic acid, decomposed by strong acids. |
| Triacetate | Soluble in acetic acid, decomposed by strong acids. |
| Nylon 66 | Decomposed by strong mineral acids, resistant to weak acids |
| Glass | Resists most acids. Etched by hydrofluoric acid and hot phosphoric acid |
| Cotton | Disintegrates in hot dilute and cold concentrated acids. |
| Wool | Destroyed by hot sulphuric, otherwise unaffected by acids. |
Conclusion
Textile fibers are the basic raw materials used to produce fabrics and textile products. Understanding the different properties of textile fiber and their comparison is crucial for selecting the right material for various applications. While natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk offer comfort, breathability, and biodegradability, synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic provide strength, resilience, and versatility at a lower cost.
Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
