INTRODUCTION TO TEXTILE PHYSICS

Textile physics: Textile physics is the study of the structure and physical properties of
fibres/textiles.
Fibre: Fibres have been defined by the TI (Textile Institute) as unites of matter characterized
by flexibility, fineness, and a high ratio of length to thickness (generally 1000:1).
Requirement for fibre formation:
1. Long chain molecules, corresponding to the long fibres that make up yarns, if the
molecules are too short, there will be a loss in strength.
2. A more or less parallel arrangement of the molecules.
3. Lateral forces to hold the molecules together & give cohesion to the structure.
4. Some measures of freedom of molecular movement, in order to give the necessary
extensibility to the fibre and some openness to give room for moisture absorption & uptake
of dyes.
Assumption of a model textile fibre:
1. The fibre matrix should be well aligned and straight.
2. The fibre matrix should be uniform in molecular weight.
3. The fibre composite should be free from cracks.
4. The composite should be homogeneous.
5. The composite should be elastic.
6. Bonding in the fibre should be perfect.
7. The fibre should extend throughout the length of the composite.
Effect of structural factors on the mechanical properties of Textile fibres:
Mechanical properties of a textile fibre mostly depend on its structural formation. Different
textile fibres have a variety on their structures and to the properties. The structural factors
are as following:
1. Bonding arrangement:
A. Single bond: Lower strength, Flexible, polymer chain can move easily.
B. Double bond: Higher strength, Rigid, Cannot move easily.
2. Chain Character:
A. Main chain:
a. Short chain: Higher strength, Bulky/ coarse, Flexibility lower.
b. Long chain: Lower strength, Finer, Flexibility higher.
B. Side chain:
a. Small side chain: Lower strength, Flexible.
b. Long side chain: Higher strength, Rigid.
C. Steric chain: Higher strength, Rigid, Lower flexibility.
3. Chain packing arrangement:
A. Regular packing: Higher strength, Rigid, More density, Cross linking high.
B. Irregular packing: Lower strength, less density, Cross linking low.
4. Crystallinity: Crystallinity expresses the arrangement of fibre molecules parallel to each
other. It is not possible to get 100% crystalline fibre. If crystallinity increases then fibre
strength will also be increases.
5. Orientation: Orientation expresses the arrangement of molecular chain in the fibre.
Highly oriented fibre has higher strength.
6. Degree of polymerization:
With increasing degree of polymerization (DP), strength of the fibre will increase to a certain
limit due to higher cohesion force & after that, strength will decrease.
7. Crosslink:
Polymers can be made stiffer by introducing chemical bonds between the polymer chains.
Forming bonds between chains is called crosslinking. The greater the number of crosslinks in
a polymer, the more rigid the material would be. Thermoplastic materials consist of
independent polymer chains, thus become soft when heated, whereas thermosetting ones
become crosslinked when heated, and thereby hold their shapes.