New ASTM Textiles Standard Provides Comprehensive Guide To Fibers

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA — August 2010 — After completing an update of ASTM D123, Terminology
Relating to Textiles, members of ASTM Subcommittee D13.92 on Terminology decided that the
information contained in the annexes was sufficiently important to merit being in a separate
standard. The new standard, ASTM D7641, Guide for Textile Fibers, has now been published, and it
provides a comprehensive guide to a large variety of fibers used to manufacture many textile
products. Subcommittee D13.92 on Terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM International
Committee D13 on Textiles.

“ASTM D7641 is intended to be a useful resource for designers, buyers, test laboratories,
educators, students and regulators,” says Vincent Diaz, Atlantic Thread and Supply Co., and a D13
member. Diaz notes the following information is typical of what can be found in ASTM D7641:

–  Bear grass is a hard leaf fiber grown in the southwest United States and Mexico.

–  Pineapple fiber is a fine leaf fiber grown in the Philippines.

–  Fox hair can be used to make soft brushes.

–  PLA is a manufactured fiber that is derived from naturally occurring sugars.

“This new standard is a valuable reference that can help readers improve their understanding
about the relationship between commercial names, fiber identification and the geographical regions
of fiber origins,” says Diaz.

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Posted on August 17, 2010

Press Release Courtesy of ASTM International

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