1. Textiles Natural and Synthetic Fibers Adapted from UEN.org

2. Natural Fibers Come from plants and animals Staple fibers: short, natural fibers General Characteristics –Hydrophilic (Absorb Water) –Most wrinkle easily

3. Natural Fibers Cotton Flax (Linen) Wool Silk Ramie Leather

4. Cotton advantages Strong, durable Soft Absorbs moisture Breathes well Washes easily

5. Cotton disadvantages Mildews Does not spring back into shape Wrinkles easily Burns readily Shrinks

6. Sheets Comforters Rugs Towels Upholstery Draperies Cotton uses

7. Care of Cotton Wash in washer and dry Iron at high temperature

8. Flax (Linen) Advantages STRONG Absorbs moisture Comfortable in warm weather Washes easily

9. Linen disadvantages Mildews WRINKLES Burns easily

10. Flax uses Tablecloths Upholstery Comforters Kitchen towels Draperies

11. Care of Linen Wash or Dry Clean, CHECK LABEL Iron at HIGH temperature

12. Wool Advantages WARM Durable ABSORBENT Resilient (returns to original shape quickly) Resists wrinkling Fire Retardant

13. Wool Disadvantages Requires special care Shrinks sometimes if washed, or dried in dryer Absorbs odors Requires protection against insects

14. Rugs Curtains Blankets Draperies Upholstery Wool uses

15. Care of Wool Dry Clean or Hand Wash and Dry flat Iron at low temperature

16. Silk Advantages Smooth Lustrous Strong Dries quickly

17. Silk Disadvantages Shows water spots Iron at low temperature

18. Draperies Lampshades Wall hangings Upholstery Comforters Silk uses

19. Care of silk Dry clean or hand wash, check label Iron at low temperature

20. Synthetic Fibers Made from petrochemicals Most are filaments Characteristics –Hydrophobic (water resistant) –Promote static cling –Heat Sensitive –Many pill –Most are wrinkle resistant

21. Synthetic Fibers Acetate Acrylic Nylon Polyester Rayon Spandex (Lycra) Aramid (Kevlar, Nomex) Olefin Triacetate Modacrylic

22. Acetate Advantages Soft Drapeable Dries quickly Resistant to shrinking

23. Acetate Disadvantages Can wrinkle Low abrasion resistance Heat sensitive Damaged by acetone

24. Bedspreads Draperies Upholstery Sheers Acetate uses

25. Acrylic Advantages Soft Warm Wool-like Light weight Wrinkle resistant Resistant to moths and sunlight

26. Acrylic Disadvantages Pills Static electricity Heat sensitive

27. Care of Acrylic Dry Cleaned or laundered Iron at low temperature

28. Blankets Carpets Draperies Rugs Upholstery Acrylic uses

29. Nylon Advantages Very Strong Resilient Lustrous Dries quickly

30. Nylon disadvantages May yellow or gray Heat Sensitive Low moisture absorbency

31. Carpets Curtains Draperies Slipcovers Tablecloths Upholstery Nylon uses

32. Care of Nylon Easily laundered Iron at low temperature

33. Polyester advantages Excellent WRINKLE RESISTANCE Resistant to abrasion Dries quickly Blends well with other fibers Retains heat-set pleats and creases

34. Polyester disadvantages Absorbs oily stains Low absorbency of moisture

35. Polyester uses Bedding carpeting Curtains Draperies Rugs Tablecloths Upholstery

36. Care of Polyester Easily laundered Needs little or no pressing

37. Rayon advantages Soft and comfortable High moisture absorbency drapeable

38. Rayon disadvantages May wrinkle or shrink unless treated May mildew

39. Bedding Draperies Slipcovers Tablecloths Upholstery Rayon uses

40. Care of Rayon Usually dry cleaned, sometimes washable Iron at low temperature

41. Aramid (Kevlar & Nomex) advantages Exceptional strength Exceptional heat and flame resistance Resistant to stretch and abrasion

42. Olefin Advantages Lightweight Strong Resistant to abrasion Non absorbent Disadvantages Heat sensitive

43. Olefin uses Carpet Slip covers Upholstery

44. The End…