Fibers

Ever wonder what the fabric you are touching is made of?  Well, the answer you’re looking for would be fibers. Fibers are componets of different chemical makeup which are spun into what are called yarns that make up the most basic building block of all fabrics. Of course, each fiber has its own unique properties, strenghts, and weaknesses which make them more or less suitable for certain uses. There are different categories and subcategories of fibers which help determine what that fiber’s most appropriate use would be.

            The are two basic groups of fibers: natural fibers and man made fibers. Natural fibers can be defined as fibrous materials that exist in plants, animal products, and minerals. These fibers are also biodegradable and are considered a sustainable, enviromentally responsible material choice. To break down natural fibers even more, you can divide them into two more subcategories of plant or cellulosic fibers and protein fibers. Cellulosic fibers include materials such as cotton and linen. Protein fibers, such as wool and silk are going to come from animals such as sheep and silk worms.  On the not sonatural side, man made fibers are artifically created for use in fabric. Like natural fibers, man made fibers can also be subdivided into two groups: natural man made fibers and man made synthetic fibers. Natural man made fibers include materials such as glass, late, asbestos, and rayon. Man made synthetic fibers are normally classified as generic or branded and include nylon, polyester, and acetate.            

            Classifying fibers even more, the way each fiber is produced  and certain characterisitcs of a fiber can also categorize fibers. Filament fibers are produced in a continuous form which creates a smooth character. For the most part, all synthetics are produced as filament fibers. Staple fibers on the other hand are naturally produced in cut lenghts that vary from plant to plant or animal to animal. The lengthof the staple affects the material’s quality, appearance, and performance.  Other qualities of fiber’s can affect the different uses of a fiber such as thermoplastic fibers which softenwhen heated and harden when cooled. Thermoset fibers however harden when heated and cannot be manipulated like thermoplastic fibers. Another characteristic of fibers can be the way they react to water. Hydrophobic fibers repel water while hydrophilic fibers can readily absorb water.

            Fibers are the basic building blocks of all materials. Fibers themselves however are not so basic. They come in many different categories and subcategories with many different characteristics that help determine if that fiber is appropriate for use in a certain material.