Properties of textiles

Properties of textiles

Textiles have different properties and treatments.


The fabric weight indicates the weight in g/m². The square mass tells about the fabric, its durability and its use. The higher the weight number, the thicker the fabric.


Martindale value, i.e. wear resistance: The Martindale value indicates the fabric's wear resistance. Lint-free woven and knitted fabrics are examined using the Martindale method. In the method, the fabric is attached to a rotating base, which is rubbed in a rotating motion against the standard wool fabric. The higher the fabric's Martindale value, the better it has withstood abrasion in the test. In practice, a high Martindale value indicates the summeriness and longevity of the fabric.

The Martindale value is generally divided into three categories:

basic requirement = at least 15,000 shots

high requirement = at least 25,000 shots

very high requirement = at least 50,000 shots


The pilling value indicates the pilling of the fabric. The values ​​are divided as follows:

1 - 2 = abundant germination

3 = slight wrinkling

4 - 5 = the product does not wrinkle

Wrinkling is more common with natural fibers or fibers with a looser bond structure. Pimples are created when different fibers rub against each other, and removing wrinkles is part of textile maintenance.


Lightfastness refers to how well the fabric resists sunlight. The duration of the light is divided as follows:

4 = basic requirement

5 - 6 = very good fastness to light

Among fabrics, cotton fabric is more sensitive to sunlight than synthetic fiber fabric.


Teflon treatment is Du Pont's finishing technology. The Teflon treatment makes the textile repel dirt and moisture. Ironing after washing reactivates the protection.


The fire protection of the fabric is defined based on the sensitivity to ignition. The terms used in Finland are SL1 (hardly flammable) and SL2 (normally flammable).

The fire protection made in the fiber stage of the textile is permanent and washable.

Fire protection applied to the finished fabric is a temporary property that weakens with washing.​


The textiles also have other treatments, such as UV treatment to protect against sunlight and mold treatment to extend the service life. These finishes are mostly used on outdoor fabrics.

 

Shrinkage, if it exceeds 3%, it must be declared separately. In general, fabrics that shrink more easily are viscose, linen and cotton.

For example, viscose or viscose blend fabric intended for clothing should be washed before cutting. Washing clothing fabrics quickly in a washing machine with, for example, a 15-minute quick program already shrinks if the product is shrinkable. A small amount of laundry detergent is useful in washing, so that the colors in the fabric can mix together.