Air-textured yarn

A multi-filament yarn which has been given increased bulk through the formation of loops, achieved by passing the yarn through air jets.

Air-laid

A web or batt of staple fibres formed using the air laying process.

Air texturing

A process in which yarns are over-fed through a turbulent air stream so that entangled loops are formed in the filaments.

Air permeability

The volume of air passing through a fabric under pressure.

Air laying

A method in which fibres are first dispersed into an air stream, and then condensed from the air stream on to a permeable cage or conveyor to form a web or batt of staple fibres.

Acrylonitrile

The main raw material used for making acrylic fibres.

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.

Acetate

A type of fibre chemically derived from cellulose.

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.

Absorbency

The ability of a textile material to absorb and retain liquids within its structure.