The ability of a fabric to take in moisture – a very important property, which affects many other characteristics such as skin comfort, static build–up, shrinkage, water repellency and wrinkle recovery.

The process by which a gas or liquid is taken up by the surface of a material. An adsorbent nonwoven wicks and holds the gas or liquid between the fibers.

The rate at which air flows through a fabric. Also referred to as BREATHABILITY. Often measured in cfm (cubic feet per minute per square foot) or cm3/sec/cm2.

The acronym for American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers. Most air and liquid filter manufacturers in the United States use the ASHRAE test methods.

The acronym for American Society for Testing and Materials International. ASTM standards are used for a variety of nonwoven testing and specifications.

Drawing or pulling of molten polymer into a much-reduced diameter filament or fiber. This can add strength to the filament or fiber by making it less amorphous and more crystalline in structure.

A web, nonwoven or other material that supports and reinforces the back of a product such as carpeting or wallpaper. Backings provide dimensional stability and enhance the performance of the face fabric.

Fibers consisting of two polymeric compounds arranged in a core-sheath (concentric or eccentric) or a side by side or a matrix or ‘islands in the sea’ configuration, chosen to ensure one component softens at a sufficiently lower temperature than the other in order to maintain the structural integrity or to create specific characteristics.

The ability of a substance to be broken down by bacteria so that it can be consumed by the environment.

A combination of two or more fiber types in making fabrics.