Natural Fibres:

COTTON

PLANT ORIGIN

• A strong fibre that has good natural durability.
• Has potential to be affected by mildew.
• Reasonable sunlight resistance but should be protected with a quality lining.
• Absorbent fibre: can move with changing humidity levels.
• When laundering, it may shrink. To reduce this, a certain finishing process can be done on the fabric called sanforising.

 

LINEN

PLANT ORIGIN

• Affected by acidic pollution.
• Will deteriorate over time when affected by mildew.
• Considered as the strongest of the natural fibres.
• Absorbent fibre: can move with changing humidity levels.
• Moderate sunlight resistance but should be protected by a quality lining.

 

SILK

ANIMAL ORIGIN

• Sensitive to UV light degradation: should not be used in direct sunlight or bright light.
• Absorbent fibre- may move in humid environments.
• Relatively strong fibre.
• Of all natural fibres, silk is regarded as the most exclusive.

 

WOOL

ANIMAL ORIGIN

• Pure wool: unless protected from direct sunlight, not considered suitable for curtains. To reduce this sensitivity, blend wool with synthetic fibres.
• Can be very durable when used in tightly woven constructions.
• Can deteriorate when affected by cloth moth larvae, bacteria and mildew.
• Has natural benefits of being flame retardant, dirt repellent, anti-static and temperature regulating.

 

VISCOSE/RAYON

• Has potential to be affected by mildew.
• Luxury finish.
• Very absorbent fibre: will move with changing humidity levels
• Should always be lined. Not UV resistant.

 

 

Synthetic Fibres:

ACRYLIC

• If used for upholstery application, it has good durability and abrasion resistance but pilling can happen.
• Excellent sunlight resistance
• Usually not affected by mildew.
• Not affected by acidic pollution.
• Strong and stable. Non-absorbent: will move very little in humid conditions.

 

NYLON

• Usually not affected by mildew.
• Yarn can weaken when there is long exposure to UV light.
• Very strong and stable. To improve durability for upholstery, it is often blended with other fibres.

 

POLYESTER

• Usually very good durability and abrasion resistance.
• Usually very good UV light resistance.
• Non-absorbent fibre: will move very little in humid conditions.
• Not affected by acidic pollution or mildew.
• Strong and stable.

 

POLYPROPYLENE

• Most suitable for outdoor application
• Colour fastness is excellent and excellent resistance to fading.
• Dries fast.
• Stain and soil resistance is high.
• Strong fibre: excellent abrasion resistance.
• Resistant to fading, mildew and chemicals making it easy to clean.

 

 

Sourcing: All contents are referred from JAMESDUNLOP TEXTILES.COM