Difference between revisions of "Natural fiber"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
  
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A class of fibers that includes all non-synthetic fibers. Natural fibers are generally separated into three groups based on origin:  
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A class of fibers that includes all non-synthetic fibers. Natural fibers are generally separated into three groups based on origin (with some examples):  
  
 
1) [[cellulose%20fiber|plant fiber]]: [[cotton|cotton]], [[linen|linen]], [[jute|jute]], [[abaca|abaca]].  
 
1) [[cellulose%20fiber|plant fiber]]: [[cotton|cotton]], [[linen|linen]], [[jute|jute]], [[abaca|abaca]].  
  
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2) [[animal%20fiber|animal fiber]]: [[wool|wool]], [[silk|silk]], [[fur|fur]].  
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2) [[animal%20fibers|animal fiber]]: [[wool|wool]], [[silk|silk]], [[fur|fur]].  
  
 
3) [[mineral%20fiber|mineral fiber]]: [[asbestos|asbestos]], [[graphite%20fiber|graphite]], [[quartz%20fiber|quartz]].
 
3) [[mineral%20fiber|mineral fiber]]: [[asbestos|asbestos]], [[graphite%20fiber|graphite]], [[quartz%20fiber|quartz]].
  
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Wool and dyed flax, have been found in prehistoric caves indicating their early usage.  And many natural fibers are still in wide use because they have many advantages over [[synthetic fiber|Synthetic fibers]], such as lower density, better thermal insulation, and reduced skin irritation. Natural fibers are good water absorbents and can be found in various textures. Cotton fibers made from the cotton plant, for example, produce fabrics that are light in weight, soft in texture, and which can be made in various sizes and colors.
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 +
==Properties of Natural Fibers==
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{| class="wikitable"
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|-
 +
! Fiber
 +
! Type
 +
! Source
 +
! Microscopic characteristics
 +
! Fber length
 +
! Fiber width (microns)
 +
! Strength/flexibility
 +
! Appearance
 +
! Other characteristics  (conductivity, density, moisture)
 +
! Deterioration
 +
! Use
 +
|-
 +
| alpaca
 +
| animal
 +
| Lama pacos
 +
| overlapping scales
 +
| 8 cm (undercoat)
 +
|
 +
| elastic and strong
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| soft, lustrous; usually white but  may be black or brown
 +
|
 +
|
 +
| textiles, linings
 +
|-
 +
| camel
 +
| animal
 +
| Camelus bactrianus
 +
| overlapping scales; cross section  is circular to oval; medulla is narrow and continuous.
 +
| 30 cm (outer hairs); 2.5-15 cm  (undercoat)
 +
|
 +
| strong; Tensile strength = 1.78  g/d ; elongation = 39-40%
 +
| lightweight, fine, and soft; tan  or brown
 +
| poor heat conductor; moisture  regain=13%
 +
|
 +
| sweaters, scarves, coats,  blankets, brushes
 +
|-
 +
| cashmere
 +
| animal
 +
| Capra hireus
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| overlapping scales (5-7 per 100  mincrons)
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| 5.0-12.5 cm  (outer);<br />    2.5-9.0 cm (undercoat)
 +
| 15
 +
|
 +
| soft and fine
 +
|
 +
| damaged by alkalis
 +
| shawls, fabrics, dreses, sweaters
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|-
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| horsehair
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| animal
 +
| family Equidae
 +
| overlapping scales
 +
| mane: 7.5-20 cm; tail: 20-90 cm
 +
| mane:  50-150;<br />    tail 75-280
 +
| stiff and elastic; cannot be spun
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|
 +
| upholstery, blankets, stuffing
 +
|-
 +
| llama
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| animal
 +
| Lama glama
 +
| overlapping scales; medulla is  narrow and often pigmented.  Cross  section is circular to ovoid
 +
| 30 cm (undercoat)
 +
|
 +
|
 +
| smooth, long, fine texture
 +
|
 +
|
 +
| coats, dresses
 +
|-
 +
| mohair
 +
| animal
 +
| Capra angorensis
 +
| overlapping scales (about 5 per  100 microns); circular cross scetion; medulla is normally invisible
 +
| 250-500 mm
 +
|
 +
| resilient, twice as strong as  wool; elongation = 30%
 +
| soft, white, silky
 +
| resists water; moisture  regain=13%
 +
| resistant to soiling;  susceptible to moths
 +
| textiles, upholstery, blankets,  draperies, carpets,
 +
|-
 +
| vicuña
 +
| animal
 +
| Vicugna vicugna
 +
| overlapping scales
 +
| 5 cm
 +
|
 +
|
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| soft, lightweight, finer than  alpaca or camel
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|
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|-
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| wool
 +
| animal
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| Caprinae family
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| overlapping scales
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| 38-125 mm (fine), 65-150 mm  (med.), 125-375 mm (long)
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| 17 ( fine),  24-<br />    34 (medium);<br />    40 (long)
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| low tensile strength; good  elasticity; elongation = 25-35%
 +
|
 +
| poor heat conductivity;  density=1.32-1.34; absorbs water and dries slowly; moisture regain=15-18%
 +
| fibers may shrink/felt with high  temperatures and friction; susceptible to moths
 +
| textiles, blankets, carpets
 +
|-
 +
| hemp
 +
| bast
 +
| Cannabis sativa
 +
|
 +
| 1-2 m
 +
| 9-40
 +
| durable and strong but weaker  than flax
 +
|
 +
| resistant to  wear under water
 +
| Damaged by acids and bleaches;  resistant to water and alkalis
 +
| cordage, ropes, sails
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|-
 +
| jute
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| bast
 +
| Corchorus capsularis
 +
| polygonal cross section (5 or 6  sides); may have discontinuous, fine striations and bundled fibers
 +
| 1.5-3 m
 +
| 7-18
 +
| weaker than hemp or flax;  elongation, = 1.7%(dry)
 +
|
 +
| density=1.5; weak when wet;  moisture regain=13.75%
 +
|
 +
| cordage, coarse textiles, mats,  gunny sacks, carpets
 +
|-
 +
| kenaf
 +
| bast
 +
| Hibiscus cannabinus
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| polygonal cross section
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|
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|-
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| linen
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| bast
 +
| Linum usitatissimum
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| bamboo-like joints
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| 6-65 mm
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| 8-32
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| stronger than cotton; elongation  = 1.8% (dry), 2.2% (wet)
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| pale yellow
 +
| absorbs water but dries quickly;  moisture regain=12%
 +
| damaged by bleach; not  susceptible to biological growth; resistant to alkalis
 +
| textiles, lace, thread
 +
|-
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| ramie
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| bast
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| Bochmeria nivea
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| numerous striations
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| 15-20 cm
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| 12-82
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| stronger than flax or hemp
 +
| lustrous, translucent,stiff,  wrinkles easily
 +
| moisture regain=12%
 +
| Resistant to mildew and insects
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| textiles (Chinese linen, Canton  linen, grass cloth, grass linen)
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|-
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| abaca
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| leaf
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| Musa textilis
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|
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| 1-5 m
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|
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| hard and strong
 +
|
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| absorbs moisture readily
 +
|
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| cordage
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|-
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| istle
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| leaf
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| Agave species
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|
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|
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|
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|
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|
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|
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|
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| cordage, coarse textiles, mats,
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|-
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| pina
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| leaf
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| Ananas comosus
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| oval cross section
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| 10-20 cm
 +
|
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| strong and flexible
 +
| translucent and thin with silky  luster
 +
|
 +
|
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| textiles, mats, bags
 +
|-
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| sisal
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| leaf
 +
| Agave sisalana
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| horseshoe shaped cross section
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| 60-120 cm
 +
|
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| weaker and less flexible than  hemp
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| smooth and straight
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| disintegrates in salt water
 +
|
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| ropes, twine, thread
 +
|-
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| silk
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| moths
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| many species, such as Bombyx mori
 +
| glass rod; before degumming silk  has irregular masses of sericin holding two filaments together
 +
| 250-750 m
 +
|
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| excellent tensile strength; good  elasticity; elongation = 20-25% (dry), 30% (wet)
 +
| very lustrous when degummed
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| poor heat conductor; moisture  regain=11%
 +
| strong soaps cause yellowing;  degraded by sunlight; acids cause yellowing; susceptible to carpet beetles
 +
| clothing; decorative fabrics
 +
|-
 +
| coir
 +
| seed hair
 +
| Cocos nucifera
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|
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| 12-20 cm
 +
|
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| stiff and elastic (like  horsehair)
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| coarse brown fibers
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| resistant to water
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|
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| ropes,brushes, mats
 +
|-
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| cotton
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| seed hair
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| Gossypium hirsutum
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| narrow, twisted ribbon
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| 1.6-6.0 cm
 +
|
 +
| high tensile strength; poor  elasticity; elongation = 5-10%
 +
| usually white; turns blue when  treated with iodine and sulphuric acid
 +
| good heat conductivity; poor  electrical conductivity; density=1.54-1.56; absorbs water, dries slowly;  moisture regain=7.0-8.0%
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| may mildew, not attacked by  moths; degraded by acids, resistant to alkalis
 +
| textiles, cordage
 +
|-
 +
| kapok
 +
| seed hair
 +
| Ceiba pentandra
 +
| cross section is oval or circular
 +
| 20-32 mm
 +
| 20
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| resilient, lightweight
 +
| silky; turns yellow when treated  with iodine and sulphuric acid
 +
| resists water, buoyant, fries  quickly
 +
|
 +
| stuffing (mattresses, pillows,  life preservers)
 +
|}
 
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
 
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
  
 
natural fibers; natural fibre (Br.); fibre naturelle (Fr.);fibra natural (Esp.); natuurlijke vezel (Ned);
 
natural fibers; natural fibre (Br.); fibre naturelle (Fr.);fibra natural (Esp.); natuurlijke vezel (Ned);
  
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== Comparisons ==
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== For easy printing and to download ==
  
 
[[media:download_file_149.pdf|Properties of Natural Fibers]]
 
[[media:download_file_149.pdf|Properties of Natural Fibers]]
  
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+
==Resources and Citations==
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+
* Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_fiber Natural fiber] Access Oct. 2024
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== Sources Checked for Data in Record ==
+
* G.Cook, ''Handbook of Textile Fibres:I. Natural Fibres'', 5th edition, Merrow Publishing Co., Durham, England, 1984.
−
 
+
* ''The Dictionary of Paper'', American Paper Institute, New York, Fourth Edition, 1980
 
* Hoechst Celanese Corporation, ''Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology'' (older version called Man-made Fiber and Textile Dictionary, 1965), Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Charlotte NC, 1990
 
* Hoechst Celanese Corporation, ''Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology'' (older version called Man-made Fiber and Textile Dictionary, 1965), Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Charlotte NC, 1990
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* Mary-Lou Florian, Dale Paul Kronkright, Ruth E. Norton, ''The Conservation of Artifacts Made from Plant Materials'', The Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles, 1990
 
* Rosalie Rosso King, ''Textile Identification, Conservation, and Preservation'', Noyes Publications, Park Ridge, NJ, 1985
 
* Rosalie Rosso King, ''Textile Identification, Conservation, and Preservation'', Noyes Publications, Park Ridge, NJ, 1985
−
 
 
* Random House, ''Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language'', Grammercy Book, New York, 1997
 
* Random House, ''Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language'', Grammercy Book, New York, 1997
−
 
 
* ''Fairchild's Dictionary of Textiles'', Phyllis G.Tortora, Robert S. Merkel (eds.), Fairchild Publications, New York City, 7th edition, 1996
 
* ''Fairchild's Dictionary of Textiles'', Phyllis G.Tortora, Robert S. Merkel (eds.), Fairchild Publications, New York City, 7th edition, 1996
−
 
+
* Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, https://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000
−
* Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000
+
* A.Lucas, J.R.Harris, ''Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries'', Edward Arnold Publishers Ltd., London, 4th edition, 1962
−
 
 
  
  
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[[Category:Materials database]]
+
[[Category:Materials database]][[Category:MWG]][[Category:Comparisons]][[Category: Sheet, Fabric]]

Latest revision as of 13:33, 14 October 2024

Description

A class of fibers that includes all non-synthetic fibers. Natural fibers are generally separated into three groups based on origin (with some examples):

1) plant fiber: Cotton, Linen, Jute, Abaca.

2) animal fiber: Wool, Silk, Fur.

3) Mineral fiber: Asbestos, graphite, quartz.

Wool and dyed flax, have been found in prehistoric caves indicating their early usage. And many natural fibers are still in wide use because they have many advantages over Synthetic fibers, such as lower density, better thermal insulation, and reduced skin irritation. Natural fibers are good water absorbents and can be found in various textures. Cotton fibers made from the cotton plant, for example, produce fabrics that are light in weight, soft in texture, and which can be made in various sizes and colors.

Properties of Natural Fibers

Fiber Type Source Microscopic characteristics Fber length Fiber width (microns) Strength/flexibility Appearance Other characteristics (conductivity, density, moisture) Deterioration Use
alpaca animal Lama pacos overlapping scales 8 cm (undercoat) elastic and strong soft, lustrous; usually white but may be black or brown textiles, linings
camel animal Camelus bactrianus overlapping scales; cross section is circular to oval; medulla is narrow and continuous. 30 cm (outer hairs); 2.5-15 cm (undercoat) strong; Tensile strength = 1.78 g/d ; elongation = 39-40% lightweight, fine, and soft; tan or brown poor heat conductor; moisture regain=13% sweaters, scarves, coats, blankets, brushes
cashmere animal Capra hireus overlapping scales (5-7 per 100 mincrons) 5.0-12.5 cm (outer);
2.5-9.0 cm (undercoat) 		15 soft and fine damaged by alkalis shawls, fabrics, dreses, sweaters
horsehair animal family Equidae overlapping scales mane: 7.5-20 cm; tail: 20-90 cm mane: 50-150;
tail 75-280 		stiff and elastic; cannot be spun upholstery, blankets, stuffing
llama animal Lama glama overlapping scales; medulla is narrow and often pigmented. Cross section is circular to ovoid 30 cm (undercoat) smooth, long, fine texture coats, dresses
mohair animal Capra angorensis overlapping scales (about 5 per 100 microns); circular cross scetion; medulla is normally invisible 250-500 mm resilient, twice as strong as wool; elongation = 30% soft, white, silky resists water; moisture regain=13% resistant to soiling; susceptible to moths textiles, upholstery, blankets, draperies, carpets,
vicuña animal Vicugna vicugna overlapping scales 5 cm soft, lightweight, finer than alpaca or camel
wool animal Caprinae family overlapping scales 38-125 mm (fine), 65-150 mm (med.), 125-375 mm (long) 17 ( fine), 24-
34 (medium);
40 (long) 		low tensile strength; good elasticity; elongation = 25-35% poor heat conductivity; density=1.32-1.34; absorbs water and dries slowly; moisture regain=15-18% fibers may shrink/felt with high temperatures and friction; susceptible to moths textiles, blankets, carpets
hemp bast Cannabis sativa 1-2 m 9-40 durable and strong but weaker than flax resistant to wear under water Damaged by acids and bleaches; resistant to water and alkalis cordage, ropes, sails
jute bast Corchorus capsularis polygonal cross section (5 or 6 sides); may have discontinuous, fine striations and bundled fibers 1.5-3 m 7-18 weaker than hemp or flax; elongation, = 1.7%(dry) density=1.5; weak when wet; moisture regain=13.75% cordage, coarse textiles, mats, gunny sacks, carpets
kenaf bast Hibiscus cannabinus polygonal cross section
linen bast Linum usitatissimum bamboo-like joints 6-65 mm 8-32 stronger than cotton; elongation = 1.8% (dry), 2.2% (wet) pale yellow absorbs water but dries quickly; moisture regain=12% damaged by bleach; not susceptible to biological growth; resistant to alkalis textiles, lace, thread
ramie bast Bochmeria nivea numerous striations 15-20 cm 12-82 stronger than flax or hemp lustrous, translucent,stiff, wrinkles easily moisture regain=12% Resistant to mildew and insects textiles (Chinese linen, Canton linen, grass cloth, grass linen)
abaca leaf Musa textilis 1-5 m hard and strong absorbs moisture readily cordage
istle leaf Agave species cordage, coarse textiles, mats,
pina leaf Ananas comosus oval cross section 10-20 cm strong and flexible translucent and thin with silky luster textiles, mats, bags
sisal leaf Agave sisalana horseshoe shaped cross section 60-120 cm weaker and less flexible than hemp smooth and straight disintegrates in salt water ropes, twine, thread
silk moths many species, such as Bombyx mori glass rod; before degumming silk has irregular masses of sericin holding two filaments together 250-750 m excellent tensile strength; good elasticity; elongation = 20-25% (dry), 30% (wet) very lustrous when degummed poor heat conductor; moisture regain=11% strong soaps cause yellowing; degraded by sunlight; acids cause yellowing; susceptible to carpet beetles clothing; decorative fabrics
coir seed hair Cocos nucifera 12-20 cm stiff and elastic (like horsehair) coarse brown fibers resistant to water ropes,brushes, mats
cotton seed hair Gossypium hirsutum narrow, twisted ribbon 1.6-6.0 cm high tensile strength; poor elasticity; elongation = 5-10% usually white; turns blue when treated with iodine and sulphuric acid good heat conductivity; poor electrical conductivity; density=1.54-1.56; absorbs water, dries slowly; moisture regain=7.0-8.0% may mildew, not attacked by moths; degraded by acids, resistant to alkalis textiles, cordage
kapok seed hair Ceiba pentandra cross section is oval or circular 20-32 mm 20 resilient, lightweight silky; turns yellow when treated with iodine and sulphuric acid resists water, buoyant, fries quickly stuffing (mattresses, pillows, life preservers)

Synonyms and Related Terms

natural fibers; natural fibre (Br.); fibre naturelle (Fr.);fibra natural (Esp.); natuurlijke vezel (Ned);

For easy printing and to download

Properties of Natural Fibers

Resources and Citations

  • Wikipedia: Natural fiber Access Oct. 2024
  • G.Cook, Handbook of Textile Fibres:I. Natural Fibres, 5th edition, Merrow Publishing Co., Durham, England, 1984.
  • The Dictionary of Paper, American Paper Institute, New York, Fourth Edition, 1980
  • Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology (older version called Man-made Fiber and Textile Dictionary, 1965), Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Charlotte NC, 1990
  • Mary-Lou Florian, Dale Paul Kronkright, Ruth E. Norton, The Conservation of Artifacts Made from Plant Materials, The Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles, 1990
  • Rosalie Rosso King, Textile Identification, Conservation, and Preservation, Noyes Publications, Park Ridge, NJ, 1985
  • Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997
  • Fairchild's Dictionary of Textiles, Phyllis G.Tortora, Robert S. Merkel (eds.), Fairchild Publications, New York City, 7th edition, 1996
  • Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, https://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000
  • A.Lucas, J.R.Harris, Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries, Edward Arnold Publishers Ltd., London, 4th edition, 1962

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