10 - Textile fabrics

Abstract

The performance of a textile fabric in any end product stems from an integrated contribution of three key elements: fiber type, yarn type, and fabric construction. Ignoring any of these three elements in the design process of textiles could result in a failure of the functional characteristics of the end product. It should also be noted that the extent of porosity of a fabric structure will often play a significant factor in its final performance depending on the desired application. In other words, unlike other solid structures, air volume represents a vital element in the design of both traditional and technical textiles. In traditional textiles, air permeability is a key aspect in many functional characteristics such as thermal and tactile comfort. Air content also provides a great deal of fiber mobility in the fabric structure, which is required for fit and shape stability. In technical textiles, the degree of porosity can play a critical role in many applications including filtration, drainage, and acoustic insulation. In this chapter, an overview of common fabric constructions is presented to provide a quick reference to the reader regarding the common types of fabrics available and their basic specifications. The discussion will be focused on design-related aspects of fabric constructions and textile products produced from different fabric structures.