in Terms   in Terms & Definitions

3    8    A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    J    K    L    M    N    O    P    Q    R    S    T    U    V    W    Y

Abaca: a banana-like plant (Musa textilis) native to the Philippines which has broad leaves with long stalks. The fibres obtained from the stalks are used to make cordage, fabric, and paper. (Also called manila and manila hemp.) Last referenced in: Prospects for the Textile and Garment Industry in the Philippines (Textile Outlook International Issue 125)

Abrasion resistance (geotextile): the ability of the geotextile surface to resist wear by friction. Last referenced in: High strength fibres and fabrics (Performance Apparel Markets Issue 3)

ABS: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene—a range of tough copolymers used for making moulded products. Last referenced in: Profile of Elmarco: A Pioneer in Machines for Making Nanofibres (Technical Textile Markets Issue 72)

Absorbency: the ability of a textile material to absorb and retain liquids within its structure. Last referenced in: Innovations in Fibres, Textiles, Apparel and Machinery (Textile Outlook International Issue 102)

Absorbency under load: the weight of fluid in grams that can be absorbed by 1 gram of fibre, yarn or fabric which has been subject to a pressure of 0.25 lb/in2 before wetting.

Acetate: a type of fibre chemically derived from cellulose. Last referenced in: Profile of Mitsubishi Rayon (Technical Textile Markets Issue 40)

Acquisition layer: an absorbent layer close to the coverstock in a nonwoven hygiene product (such as a diaper) through which fluid enters. Typically, the fluid is then transmitted to a distribution layer.

Acrylonitrile: the main raw material used for making acrylic fibres. Last referenced in: Superplanes: A Rapidly Growing Market for Carbon Fibre (Technical Textile Markets Issue 65)

Adhesive bonding: see chemical bonding.

Adsorbency: the retention of films of liquid on the surface of a textile material. Last referenced in: Innovations in Fibres, Textiles, Apparel and Machinery (Textile Outlook International Issue 102)