Textile fibres are divided broadly into 3 groups namely natural fibres, man-made fibres and synthetic fibres according to the source.
Natural Fibres: These are the first known category of fibres which are available in abundance in nature. This category refers to all fibres that occur in fibre form in nature. According to chemical nature they may also be classified as
Cellulosic Fibres.
Protein Fibres.
Mineral Fibres.
These have been processed and woven into beautiful fabrics for which India has carried a rich heritage.
Cellulosic Fibres: Cellulosic fibres are those that are obtained from vegetable matter. Cotton, linen and Jute are the popular cellulosic fibres. Cellulosic fibres contain cellulose as main part of the fibre. These are generally dull and hard to touch. They are highly resistant to alkalies and are damaged by concentrated acids. They have good absorbency which makes it very comfortable and very ideal for summer wear.
Cotton
Jute Fiber
Kapok Fiber
Protein Fibres:These are the animal fibres. The main part of the fibre is protein. There are differences between fibres that are of animal nature. The protein in wool is keratin. Silk contains fibroin which is in the form of double stand. As wool makes protective covering for sheep, silk makes the same for pupa. So these fibres mainly give warmth. Wool is dull and soft. Silk is too lustrous and smooth to touch. Wool is less strong and silk is the strongest of all natural fibres. These fibres are some what resistant to acids and are damaged by alkalies, so mild soaps are always preferable. They are elastic and so crease resistant. Ideal fabrics for winter wear.
Angora goat from which Mohair is obtained
Mohair Fibre
obtained from cocoon
Mineral Fibres: Asbestos is only natural mineral fibre available from rocks. The fibres are over one quarter inch long and are spun and woven into fabrics. White, soft and silky they resist all liquids. As it is fire proof material it is mainly used for fire proof suits, protective clothing, safety certain etc. Thin sheets of gold silver or aluminum foil can be drawn into very thin wire and it is wound around silk core and used as a textile yarn.
Man-Made Fibres: These are textile fibres that do not exist in fibre form in nature. But natural material is processed and made into fibres that resemble silk. According to the TFPIA, the man-made fibres are any fibres made by a process of manufacture from a substance which at any point in the manufacturing process, is not a fibre. These man-made fibres are again divided in to two groups man-made cellulosic & protein.
Some fibres such as rayon and acetate have a base of natural cellulose. Few fibres are based on protein derived from milk, soyabean, or corn meal.
Synthetic Fibres: These fibres are purely artificial, synthesized from simple chemical elements (monomers) like Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen and Nitrogen etc to produce complex chemical compound (polymers). They are also referred to as non cellulose man-made fibres. These differ is the elements used, the type of complex molecules produced and the method of spinning by which they are produced. They can also be subdivided as polyamides. Ex: Nylon, Polyester.
Polyester Staple Fibre
Acrylic Fibre
They are some common properties that are exhibited by all these fibres. All are thermoplastic fibres, meaning heat sensitive, soften or melt with the application of heat. They have good to excellent strength resistance and better abrasion resistance. They show good sunlight resistance when compared to natural fibres. As these fibres are poor conductors of electricity, the state electricity which is produced tend to pile up on the surface of the fabric. This is a disadvantage as they cling to the body of the wearer and may cause sparks and explosions or fires. The pilling of staple fibres is also a disadvantage.
The following chart gives better knowledge about the classification.
The length of the fibres is continuous and the shape is controlled as the fibres are passed through spinnerette. Synthetic fibres are very bright fibres and are fairly strong and fairly resistant to chemicals. These are good absorbent fibres, so can be used for comfortable clothing. They are fairly resistant to mildew. Except acetate rayon, other fibres have good dye affinity.
long and are spun and woven into fabrics. White, soft and silky they resist all liquids. As it is fire proof material it is mainly used for fire proof suits, protective clothing, safety certain etc. Thin sheets of gold silver or aluminum foil can be drawn into very thin wire and it is wound around silk core and used as a textile yarn.
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