Ageing

1. Originally a process in which printed fabric was exposed to a hot moist atmosphere. At the present time, the term is almost exclusively applied to the treatment of printed fabric in moist steam in the absence of air. Ageing is also used in the development of certain colorants, e.g., aniline black.
2. In the manufacture of viscose, the oxidative depolymerization of alkali cellulose in order to produce a controlled decrease in the chain length of the cellulose. The term is sometimes, although incorrectly, used to describe the ripening of viscose (see ripening 2).
3. The oxidation by exposure to air of drying-oil sizes and finishes, e.g., in the production of oiled silk and oilskins and in linseed oil sizing.
4. The deterioration of rubber and plastic coatings and proofing and of some lubricants on textiles, caused by gradual oxidation on storage and/or exposure to light.
5. Progressive change with time in the structure and properties of polymers, including wool fibres.

Ageing (testing)

Storage of a material under defined conditions, to determine by subsequent tests the effect of these conditions on the properties of the material. The conditions may be chosen to accelerate any natural changes that may occur.

Ager

A chamber used for ageing (see ageing 1).

Agglomeration

A cluster of particles or fibers.

Agitate

To stir or to mix as in the case of a dyebath or solution.

Agr'e gauze

A plain-weave open-sett silk fabric having a gauze-like appearance that receives a stiff finish and is used for trimmings.

Agra gauze

A plain-weave open-sett silk fabric having a gauze-like appearance that receives a stiff finish and is used for trimmings.

Agrotextile

Any textile material used in agriculture, horticulture or fisheries.

Air Bag

An automatically inflating bag in front of riders in an automobile to protect them from pitching forward in an accident. End use for manufactured textile fibers.

Air Brushing

Blowing color on a fabric or paper with a mechanized pneumatic brush.

Air Conditioning

1. A chemical process for sealing short fuzzy fibers into a yarn. Fabrics made from air-conditioned yarns are porous. Because they allow more air circulation these fabrics are also cooler. 2. Control of temperature and/or humidity in work or living space.

Air Entangled Yarns

See COMPACTED YARNS.

Air Forming

A process in which air is used to separate and move fibers to fashion a web such as the Kroyer® process for short fibers usually of wood pulp; or the Rando-Webber® process for staple-length fibers.

Air house (technical textiles)

A small air-supported structure.

Air Jet Method

In this method of texturing yarn is led through the turbulent region of an air jet at a rate faster than it is drawn off on the far side of the jet. In the jet the yarn structure is opened loops are formed and the structure is closed again. Some loops are locked inside and others are locked on the surface of the yarn. An example of this method is the Taslan process. (Also see TEXTURED YARNS Core-Bulked Yarn and Entangled Yarn.) 2