Section+2.1

=** Absorption **= Home, Section 2.2, Section 2.3, Section 2.4, Section 2.5

=**Absorption: ability of a fiber to take water into itself.**= []

**Most fibers that have a high absorbency level tend to produce fabrics that are:**

 * Comfortable to the skin
 * Repel water
 * Easy to remove stains
 * Recover from wrinkles

Absorption has a few properties within itself that determines a fabric's absorbency level:
**Hydrophilic** - fiber readily absorbs water or other liquids "water loving". Hydrophilic fabrics typically absorb all moisture whether it's water, washing detergent, or whatever else it may be. This can also contribute to the clothing drying slowly or shrinkage. An example of a hydrophilic fiber would be cotton. Also, diapers are known to be very hydrophilic because they quickly absorb big amounts of liquids and are able to contain them until they are disposed.

**Hydrophobic** - fiber that does not absorb water or other liquids readily "hates water". EX: Polyester, nylon, mostly synthetic fibers..

**Wicking** - liquid travels across the surface of the fiber, but isn't absorbed. Most synthetic fibers are "wickers". Wicking contribute to the fabric being comfortable to the skin and the transport of moisture.

Example of wicking: Under armor **Hygroscopic** - ability of a fiber to take up and retain moisture from the air; doesn't readily release the moisture through evaporation.

 **Oleophilic** - attracted to oil-based substances such as salad oil, grease, etc.

**Cellulose Fibers**
Cellulose fibers are considered to be very good absorbent fibers. This means it is very comfortable to wear during the summer to stay nice and cool. That means most cellulosic fibers are slow to dry after they've been wet and also easy to dye. It is also ideal for home furnishings also that keeps cool throughout those hot summer days and/or nights! Some end uses that are cellulose fibers that have a high absorbency level are:
 * Diapers
 * Towels
 * Active sportswear (keeps you dry when sweating)

Protein Fibers
Silk is a natural protein fiber

Protein fibers consist of those fibers that typically come from animal hair fibers. These fibers are labeled as hygroscopic. They are comfortable and protects against humidity in cool climates.

Synthetic Fibers


The main widespread synthetic fibers that are most commonly used are nylon, polyester, acrylic, modacrylic, and olefin.
 * Nylon - low absorbency.
 * Polyester - very oleophilic and hydrophobic. Polyester has aromatic rings in its molecular structure that blocks absorption; hence hydrophobic.
 * Acrylic - Not a very good absorbent but pretty good at wicking.
 * Modacrylic - low absorbency.
 * Olefin - Olefin is non absorbent but it is good at wicking.


 * REFERENCES**
 * 1) Gallayanee, Yaoyuneyong. (2011). Fiber Properties. Available from http://ocean.otr.usm.edu/~w739163/fm330/document/Fiber%20Preperties%20-%20Chapter%203%20handout.pdf
 * 2) Synthetic Fiber. Wikipedia. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/synthetic_fiber