Fabric and Textile Artificial Fibers for Interior Design and Decorating
Listed below are properties and descriptions of artificial fibers.
Acetate
Acetate is made from wood pulp. It has a low strength when wet, and is not very absorbent. It is not effected by moths or mildew. It drapes well, but avoid wringing - drip dry only and use a cool iron.
A common substitute for various natural fibres, acetate is versatile and inexpensive. It is used in making satins and brocades. Acele, Avisco, Celanese, Chromspun and Etron are trade names.
Triacetate - is stronger and more durable. It washes well and retains pressing. It is non-absorbent and commomly used in mixtures and blends well with natural and other man made fibres. Arnel is a trade name.
Rayon
Rayon is processed from wood pulp (viscose). When wet it loses 70% of its strength. It is relatively hard wearing it has a high absorbency and it shrinks more than cotton. It burns rapidly and the colours fade. It is resistant to moths and it drapes well.
Viscose is non-static, has good draping properties but has a tendency to fray. Viscose rayon is the type in widest use. One of the most used economy substitutes for natural fibres.
Rayon can be processed to resemble many fibres. It has recently been largely displaced in quality fabrics by other synthetics. It is widely used for low-cost clothing, table linens and curtains. Avril, Enka and Zantrel are trade names.
Modified Rayon (Modal)
It is a cellulose fibre made from cotton waste or wool, it is used in mixtures and blends to modify the properties of natural and synthetic fibres. They are strong while wet, the fabric wrinkles and it is hand washable. It looks very much like cotton and has almost equal properties.
To Continue Articles on Interior Design and Decorating Interior Finishes - Fabrics - next page is Synthetic Fibers
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