Glossary

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Fabric Lamination - The process by two or more substrates are fused together under a combination of heat, pressure and adhesives (typically fabric to fabric or fabric to foam).

Fabricator - One that constructs a finished product by combining, assembling or processing a raw material.

Filament - A fiber of an indefinite or extreme length such as found naturally in silk. Manufactured fibers are extruded into filaments that are converted in filament yarn.

Filler - A non-fibrous material added to a fabric to increase its weight or to modify its appearance. Examples are insoluble clays or gypsum, starches or gums.

Flame Retardant - Resistant to catching fire. Usually, additives included in the manufacturing ingredients to prevent the material from catching fire, although some polymers are naturally resistant.

Flammability - The characteristics of a material that pertain to its relative ease and relative ability to sustain combustion.

Fleece fabric - Typically a brushed, knitted, polyester fabric with relatively high pile.

Fluid Immersion Test - The submersion of a piece of cellular rubber in Fuel B (similar to Jet Fuel). The foam is weighed before and after and the test measures the amount of fuel absorbed by the material. The lower the % of mass gain, the better the resistance to petroleum based fuels.

Foam - A product, either flexible or rigid, that has been produced by the internal generation of a gas in a fluid medium that is polymerizing while expanding in volume. The final result is either an open or closed-cell product.

Foam to Foam Lamination - A method of fusing together two or more different foam substrates. Sometimes used for dual density applications.