1. What is a fiber?
OR
Define fiber(s).
Fibers are the basic component of a garment. Fibers are twisted together to form a yarn and later yarns are woven or knitted to develop a fabric. Each fiber has it unique characteristic(s). Fabric character can be altered with the help of yarn structure or the type of weave used to develop it or even the type of finish that is given to the fabric.
2. What are the different type or categories of fibers?
Types or characteristics of fibers:-
(a) Natural Fibers
(b) Man made Fibers
(c) Blended Fibers
Natural Fibers:- are procured from natural resources like animal and plant sources. example:- cotton, linen from plant and wool, silk from animal.
Synthetic Fibers:- or man- made fibers:- are developed in chemical solutions. They are forced through tiny holes into chemical bath or air chamber, they further harden into long ropes of fibers that are later woven or knitted to develop fabric. example:- nylon, acrylic.
Blended fibers:- are developed by blending both natural and man- made fibers to develop a blended fabric that has characteristics of both the fibers but the fiber present in higher percentage dominates the characteristics of the final fabric. example:- Terrycot ( cotton 65% and terylene 35%).
3. Differentiate between natural and man- made fibers.
Natural Fibers:-
Natural fibers are made from natural resources like plant and animal source.
Natural fibers have irregularities and sensitivity which is an inherent property of natural fibers. The inherent qualities of a natural fiber contribute to its beauty.
Man- made fibers:-
Man- made fibers are made with the help of chemicals as the chemical solution is forced through tiny holes into chemical bath or air chamber, it then hardens into a long rope that is later woven or knitted to form fabric.
Man- made fibers are more elastic less wrinkle resistant than natural fibers.
4. List the one advantage and one disadvantage of natural and man-made fibers.
Natural Fibers:-
Advantage:- Natural fibers are more absorbent and breathe due to the porous structure. So, they are more responsive to climatic changes in temperature as well as humidity. This is the reason why natural fibers are considered more comfortable under various climatic conditions.
Disadvantage:- Natural fibers like cotton and linen are less elastic and tend to wrinkle easily. If it is treated or a wrinkle- resistant finish is given to it then it wrinkles less.
An example of wrinkle- resistant finish is Mercerized Cotton. In this finish chemical is not applied but cotton is spun at a very high tension to provide luster and sheen in the yarn and to make it more supple and wrinkle- resistant.
Man- made Fibers:-
Advantage:- Man- made fibers are elastic and wrinkle- resistant.
Disadvantage:- Man- made fibers are less porous than natural fibers and so are uncomfortable during hot and humid climatic conditions.
5. What is thermoplasticity?
Nylon is a thermoplastic fabric.
Thermoplasticity means moulding a fabric to create interesting textures and design variations by passing it through controlled temperature and pressure.
Thermoplastic designs are also called as heat- set designs or prints.
Japanese mastered the art of heat- set pleating.
6. What is heat- set pleating?
Japanese designers explored the art of heat- set pleating.
Permanent pleating can be given at any stage of garment development i.e. at fiber stage, yarn stage or the final fabric stage.
