Originally published in 1962, this classic reference has undergone significant updating and revision in its current fourth edition. Following introductory chapters on fibre structure, testing and sampling, it reviews key fibre properties, their technical significance, factors affecting these properties, and measurement issues. Each chapter reviews natural, regenerated, and synthetic fibres, including high-performance fibres.

The book first reviews properties such as fineness, fibre length, and density, then considers thermal properties and reactions to moisture. A further group of chapters reviews tensile and other mechanical properties, thermomechanical responses, fibre breakage and fatigue. It concludes with discussions of dielectric properties, electrical resistance and static, optical properties, and fibre friction.

From the Preface: “...There is, indeed, a body of knowledge of fibre physical properties which is basic in the education of a textile technologist, and this is what we aim to present. The changes in this edition result, in part, from a closer adherence to the essential character of the book: some of the details of theories and experimental techniques, which seemed important at the time, have been omitted...The book is now more concentrated on the fundamentals of the subject; some digressions on topics less directly concerned with physical properties have been dropped. The other source of change is new knowledge...”

Target Audience: Textile technologists, fiber scientists, textile engineers, and textile researchers in academia.

Table of Contents:

An Introduction to Fibre Structure

Testing and Sampling

Fibre Fineness and Transverse Dimensions

Fibre Length

Fibre Density

Thermal Properties

Equilibrium Absorption of Water

Heats of Sorption

Rate of Absorption of Moisture

The Retention of Liquid Water

Swelling

Theories of Moisture Sorption

Tensile Properties

The Effects of Variability

Elastic Recovery

Rheology

Directional Effects

Thermomechanical Responses

Fibre Breakage and Fatigue

Theories of Mechanical Properties

Dielectric Properties

Electrical Resistance

Static Electricity

Optical Properties

Fibre Friction

Appendices: Units, Fibre Names, Standard Test Methods

Index