Fibers are fine hair-like substances used for spinning yarns to make textiles. The fibers are the fundamental building blocks or basic components of textile fabrics which can be twisted into yarns and the woven into fabric. A staple fiber is usually much longer than it is thick. Most textile fibers range in length from about 15mm to 500 mm and the thickness ranges from about 10μm to 50μm.
Fibers can be classified into:
Natural Fibers - are the fibers that are derived from plants, animals or produced by geological processes (from minerals ex. asbestos). They have high absorbency and porosity which makes them responsive to changes in temperature and humidity and comfortable to wear in a variety of conditions. Example: cotton, coir, flax, jute etc.
Man-Made Fibers - refers to fibers which are not found naturally. It may be synthetic fibers, which are entirely man made from chemicals (nylon, acrylic) or fibers which are produced in the laboratory from cellulose, a natural product (rayon, acetate). They have low porosity and absorbency which makes them uncomfortable during hot and humid climatic conditions.
Fiber Blends are combinations of two or more different fibers.
To be a textile fiber, it must possess some fundamental properties such as fibrous structure, length to width ratio, strength, elasticity, spinning power, flexibility, durability and should be economical.
Natural Cellulosic Fibers
Abaca
Abaca also called as Manila Hemp is a species of banana native to Philippines. Abaca is one of the strongest natural fibers obtained from the leaf stalks of the plant. The plant has a great economic value for its fiber properties such as strength, flexibility, buoyancy, biodegradability, resistance to saltwater damage and also forms a cheaper option to other alternatives. The fibers are raw materials for textile manufacturing (abaca cloth) and are also used to make ropes, fishing lines, paper, curtains, nets, bags and other fashion accessories.
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