LESSON 3:
CLASSIFICATION AND
GENERAL PROPERTIES
OF TEXTILE
OBJECTIVE:
At the end of the session, the students will be able to:
Determine the various properties of Textile Fiver; Physical,
Thermal, Chemical and biological properties;
Differentiate vegetable fibers from synthetic fibers; and
Appreciate the importance of each textile properties and the
types of fibers.
CLASSIFICATION OF TEXTILES:
A. NATURAL FIBERS
Derived from plants, animals, or minerals, these fibers are
biodegradable and eco-friendly.
B. SYNTHETIC (MAN-MADE) FIBERS
Produced from petrochemicals or regenerated natural
NATURAL FIBERS SYNTHETIC FIBERS
Cotton
Flax Polyester
Silk
Acrylic
Coir Nylon
Wool
PROPERTIES OF TEXTILE FIBERS
Textile fibers have various physical, thermal, chemical, and
biological properties that determine their durability, comfort, and
usability.
A. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Strength (Tensile Strength) – The ability of the fiber to
withstand pulling forces (e.g., nylon is stronger than cotton).
Elasticity – The ability of fibers to stretch and return to their
original shape (e.g., spandex has high elasticity).
Absorbency (Moisture Regain) – How well fibers absorb water
(e.g., cotton absorbs more moisture than polyester).
Luster – The amount of light reflected by the fiber (e.g., silk has
a natural sheen).
Resilience – The ability to resist wrinkles and recover its shape
(e.g., wool has high resilience).
B. THERMAL PROPERTIES
• Heat Conductivity – How well fibers transfer heat (e.g., cotton is
a good conductor, making it comfortable in hot weather).
Flammability – How fibers react to fire (e.g., wool is flame-
resistant, while polyester melts when exposed to heat).
Thermoplasticity – The ability to be shaped by heat (e.g.,
polyester can be heat-set into pleats).
C. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Reaction to Acids and Alkalis – Some fibers degrade in acidic or
alkaline environments (e.g., silk and wool are damaged by
strong acids, while cotton is resistant).
Resistance to Chemicals – Synthetic fibers like polyester and
nylon are more resistant to chemicals than natural fibers.
Dyeability – Some fibers absorb dyes better than others (e.g.,
wool and silk have high dye affinity).
D. BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Resistance to Molds and Mildew – Synthetic fibers are more
resistant to biological damage than natural fibers.
Pest Resistance – Wool is susceptible to moth attacks, while
polyester and acrylic are pest-resistant.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VEGETABLE
FIBERS AND SYNTHETIC FIBERS
Criteria Vegetable fibers Synthetic fibers
(Natural) (Man-made)
Source Derived from plants Made from
(e.g., cotton, flax, hemp) petrochemicals
(e.g. polyester, nylon, acrylic
Moisture High (breathable Low (may feel less
Absorption and comfortable) comfortable in heat)
Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable,
Biodegradability
eco-friendly but recyclable
Can weaken over time More durable and resistant
Durability
due to wear and to wear
moisture
Elasticity Low (may wrinkle easily) High (wrinkle-resistant)
Can burn easily Some are thermoplastic
Reaction to Heat
(cotton ignites) and melt under heat
Chemical Can degrade in
More resistant to
Resistance harsh chemicals
acids, alkalis, and
detergents
Cost Often more expensive Usually cheaper and mass-
due to natural farming produced
IMPORTANCE OF TEXTILE PROPERTIES
AND FIBER TYPES
Understanding textile properties is essential for choosing the right
fabric for different applications:
- Comfort & Wearability – Cotton’s absorbency makes it ideal for
summer wear, while wool’s warmth suits winter clothing.
- Durability & Maintenance – Polyester’s wrinkle resistance and
strength make it suitable for activewear and home furnishings.
- Sustainability & Environmental Impact – Choosing
biodegradable fibers like cotton or bamboo helps reduce
pollution.
- Industrial & Technical Uses – Kevlar (a synthetic fiber) is used
in bulletproof vests due to its high strength, while fiberglass is
used in insulation.
Each fiber has unique characteristics that determine its
best use. Balancing comfort, durability, and sustainability is
key to making informed choices in textiles.
CONCLUSION
Textiles are essential in daily life, with fibers classified as
natural or synthetic, each offering unique properties.
Understanding their characteristics helps in choosing the right
fabric for comfort, durability, and sustainability. By selecting
appropriate textiles, we can enhance functionality while
considering environmental impact.
References:
Kadolph, S. J. (2010). Textiles (11th ed.). Pearson Education.
Tortora, P. G., & Johnson, I. (2013). The Fairchild Books Dictionary
of Textiles (8th ed.). Fairchild Books.
Hollen, N., & Saddler, J. (2011). Textiles (10th ed.). Macmillan.
Collier, B. J., & Tortora, P. G. (2001). Understanding Textiles (6th
ed.). Pearson Prentice Hall.
Corbman, B. P. (1983). Textiles: Fiber to Fabric (6th ed.). McGraw-
Hill.
References:
American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC).
Textile Testing Standards.
Textile Learner. (n.d.). Properties of Textile Fibers. Retrieved from
https://textilelearner.net
OECOTEXTILE. (2021). Textile Fiber Types and Properties.
International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology.
The Textile Institute (UK). Research Articles on Textile Innovations.
