Fibregenskaper

Fibregenskaper, or fiber properties, are the measurable characteristics of fibers that determine their performance in applications such as textiles, composites, and filtration. They encompass mechanical, physical, thermal, chemical, optical, and environmental traits. Differences between natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk, flax) and synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon, aramid) arise from molecular structure, crystalline content, moisture interaction, and manufacturing, and are quantified by standard tests to guide material selection and design.

Mechanical and physical properties describe how fibers respond to loads and handling. Key metrics include tensile strength, Young’s modulus, elongation at break, toughness, and creep behavior. Density, fineness or linear mass, diameter, and surface roughness affect handle, drape, and processing performance. Moisture regain and dimensional stability under humidity influence comfort and fit in textiles, and shrinkage or creep in composites. Other physical traits include fineness, crimp, and porosity, which influence air flow, insulation, and filtration efficiency.

Thermal and chemical properties cover a fiber’s behavior under temperature changes and chemical exposure. Thermal properties include melting point or glass transition temperature, thermal stability, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity, while the coefficient of linear thermal expansion indicates dimensional change with temperature. Chemical properties address resistance to solvents, acids, bases, hydrolysis, moisture, UV exposure, and flame behavior. Flame retardancy and smoke formation are particularly important for safety-critical applications.

Optical and processing properties describe color, gloss, dye affinity, translucency, and birefringence in specialty fibers. Processing considerations include compatibility with dyes, finishes, and matrix materials, as well as environmental aspects such as recyclability and biodegradability, influencing life-cycle impact.