Phormium

A fibre obtained from the leaves of the New Zealand plant Phomium tenax. It is sometimes called New Zealand flax or hemp, although now grown in other countries.

Phosphorescence

Emission of light that persists for a noticeable time after the removal of the excitation source.

Phosphoric Acid

An inorganic acid having the formula (H3PO4).

Photodegradation

Degradation caused by the absorption of light or other radiation and by consequent chemical reactions. Ultra-violet radiation is an especially potent cause.

Phthalic Acid

An organic acid obtained by oxidation of various benzene derivatives and having two adjacent (ortho) acid (COOH) groups on the benzene ring.

Pick

1. A single operation of the weft-inserting mechanism in weaving.
2. A single weft thread in a fabric as woven.
Note: A single picking operation in weaving may insert more than one pick (i.e., weft thread) in the fabric.
3. To pass the weft through the warp shed in weaving.

Pick Count

The number of filling yarns per inch or per centimeter of fabric.

Pick Counter

1. A mechanical device that counts the picks as they are inserted during weaving. 2. A mechanical device equipped with a magnifying glass used for counting picks (and/or ends) in finished fabrics.

Pick, dead

A pick on which the take-up motion is put out of action by a retarding or cramming motion.

Pick-and-pick

1. Descriptive of a woven fabric in which alternate picks are of different colours or yarns.
Note: If the weft is inserted by shuttles, the fabric must be produced on a pick-at-will loom.
2. Descriptive of a shuttle loom that picks alternately from opposite sides.

Pick-at-will

Descriptive of a shuttle loom with mechanisms which can insert picks from either side in any sequence.

Pick-found

Descriptive of a fabric that, ideally, contains no missed or broken picks.

Pick-Out Mark

A fillingwise band or bar characterized by a chafed or fuzzy appearance due to pulled-out picks.

Pick-up

The weight of liquor taken up by a given weight of fabric after impregnation, spraying, or coating.
note.. low wet pick-up has a special application in respect of easy-care finishing (see critical application value).

Picker

The part of the picking mechanism of a loom that actually strikes the shuttle.