Fiber

Coiled fiber basket
MFA# 99.134

Description

A long, thin filament with a length at least 100 times its diameter. Fibers are used to make fabric, paper, mats and as fillers and strengtheners in composite materials. Synthetic fibers can often be produced very cheaply and in large amounts compared to natural fibers, but for clothing natural fibers have some benefits, such as comfort, over their synthetic counterparts.

Examples of each type include:

• Animal: Wool, Alpaca, Mohair, Angora, Silk.
• Vegetable: Abaca, Coir, Cotton, Hemp, Jute, Kapok, Kenaf, Linen, Piña, Ramie, Sisal
• Synthetic: Acetate, Acrylic, Alginic, Anidex, Aramid, Azlon, Casein, Cellulose nitrate, Cupro, Nylon, Novoloid, Nytril, Modacrylic, Modal, Olefin, Polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, Rayon, Saran, Spandex, Sulfar, Triacetate, Vinal, and Vinyon.
• Inorganic (Mineral): Asbestos, Glass, Carbon, Graphite, Steel, Tungsten.

The types of fiber are characterized as:

• staple: short fibers.
• monofilaments: continuous single fibers.
• Tow: a continuous strand of bundled but untwisted fibers.
• Yarn: a continuous strand of twisted fibers.

Physical characteristics of fibers include:

• shape, strength, elasticity, flexibility, weight, stability and ability to absorb moisture

Properties of Synthetic Fibers (Part 1)

Fiber	Composition	Development date	Common trade name	Density		Denier (g/9000m)	Tenacity (g/denier)	Elongation at break (%)		Initial modulus	Moisture regain (%)
acetate	cellulose triacetate	1919	Celanese; Arnel; Tenite	1.25-1.35			1.1-1.4 (dry); 0.65- 0.75 wet)	25-35 (dry); 35-45 (wet)		35-40	6.5
acrylic	>85% acrylonitrile	1950	Acrilan, Creslan, Courtelle, Orlon	1.16-1.18		2-8	2-3.6 (dry)	20-55		25-63	1.0-3.0
aramid (meta)	poly-m-phenylene terephthalamide		Nomex, Conex	1.38		2-5	3-6	2-30		130-150	3.5
aramid (para)	poly-p-phenylene terephthalamide	1965	Kevlar	1.44		1.0-1.5	25-30	3-6		500- 1000	7.0
azlon	protein	1930s	Aralac, Ardil, Lanital	1.25-1.3			0.9-1.1 (dry); 0.3- 0.6 (wet)	60-70			14
modacrylic	35-85% acrylonitrile	1949	Dynel; Verel, SEF	1.35-1.37		2-8	1.8-2.5 (dry); 1.7- 2.4 (wet)	35-48		25-56	0.4-4.0
nylon 6	polycaprolactam	1939	Perlon; Kapron, Power silk	1.14		1.5-5	3.8-8.3 (dry); 3.5- 7.1 (wet)	16-50 (dry); 19-55 (wet)		25-35	3.5-5.0
nylon 6,6	polyhexamethylene adipamide	1935	Fiber 66; Antron; Stainmaster	1.14		1.5-5	4.6-9.0 (dry); 4.0- 7.7 (wet)	19-40% (dry); 32- 46% (wet)		33-46	3.8-4.5
nytril	>85% vinylidene dintrile	1955; discontinued in 1970s	Darvan	1.18			2.0 (dry); 1.7 (wet)	30			2-3
polyester	polyester terephthalate	1941	Dacron, Terylene; Hollytex			1.5-5	2.2-9.5	10-50		25-50	0.1-0.4
polyethylene	high density polyethylene	1954	Tyvek; Reevon	0.95-0.96		2-10	5.0-8.0	14-20			<0.1
polypropylene	polypropylene	1957	Herculon, Marvess	0.85-0.94		2-10	3.5-9.0	15-35		29-45	<0.1
polyurethane	>85%polyurethane	1958	spandex, Lycra	1.20-1.25		2.5-20	0.5-1.5	500-700			0.3-1.2
polyvinyl chloride	>85% vinyl chloride units		vinyon; Evilon, Thermovyl	1.38-1.40			2.7-3.0 (wet or dry)	12-20			0
rayon (cupro)	regenerated cellulose	1890	Cuprama; Cupresa	1.54		2-3	1.7-2.3 (dry); 1.1- 1.135 (wet)	10-17 (dry); 17-23 (wet)			11-12.5
rayon (viscose)	regenerated cellulose	1892	Avtex	1.46-1.54		2-3	2.0-2.6 (wdry); 1.0- 1.5 (wet)	13-15 (dry); 20-40 (wet)			11-16.6
vinal	>50% vinyl alcohol units	1924	Synthofil; Vinylon	1.26-1.30			3.0 -8.5 (dry); 3.2- 7.6 (wet)	9-26 (dry); 10-27 (wet)			3.0-9.0

Properties of Synthetic Fibers (Part 2)

Fiber	Degradation		Dyes used		Microscopic characteristics			Applications
acetate	Degrades in acids and concentrated alkalis		disperse		irregular cross section with multiple lobes; lengthwise striations			coats, suits, linings, cigarette filters
acrylic	Susceptible to heat; accumulates static charge		basic, disperse, pigment		variable cross section			subsitute for wool in coats, sweaters, hosiery, blankets, filters
aramid (meta)	Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents and UV light				fiber is smooth; cross section is dogbone			filter bags for hot stack gases, flame-resistant clothing
aramid (para)	Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents and UV light				fiber is smooth, cross section is circular			radial tires belts, bulletproof vests, resin reinforcements
azlon	Degraded by alkalis; weak when wet; susceptible to microbiological growths				diameter=20-30 microns, cross section is circular or bean-shaped, filament is smooth			silk substitute
modacrylic	Resistant to alkalis and acids							flame-resistant clothing, artificial fur, children's sleepwear, tents
nylon 6	Degraded by concentrated acids and phenol; resistant to alkalis and most organic solvents		acid, disperse, mordant, pigment, reactive		fiber is smooth, cross section is circular			hosiery, lingerie, sports garments, upholstery
nylon 6,6	Degraded by concentrated acids and phenol; resistant to alkalis and most organic solvents		acid, disperse, mordant, pigment, reactive		fiber is smooth, cross section is circular or trilobal			tires, ropes, seat belts, parachutes, fishing lines and nets; surgical sutures; brushes
nytril	Resistant to sunlight, oxidation and insects.				opaque, white with flattened or hook-shaped cross section			sweaters, pile fabrics, in wool blends
polyester	Degrades in strong acids, strong alkalis and creson.		disperse, pigment		smooth fibers; cross section may be circular, trilobal or polygon			permanent press clothing, fiberfill, carpets, sewing thread, seat belts, yarns, nonwoven fabrics
polyethylene	Resistant to acids, alkalis and bleaches; dissolves in dry-cleaning solvents, degrades slowly in sunlight		basic, disperse pigments		cross section is circular or elliptical			cordage, webbing; upholstery, outdoor applications
polypropylene	Resistant to strong acids and alkalis; resistant to biodeterioration		basic, disperse pigments		cross section is circular or elliptical			upholstery, carpets, ropes, nets, disposable nonwoven fabrics
polyurethane	Chlorine causes slow degradation		acid, disperse, reactive, vat					elastomeric fabrics; swimwere; althletic clothes
polyvinyl chloride	Soluble in chlorinated and aromatic solvents; degrades with heat and light		basic, disperse, pigment		irregular cross section			elastomeric fabrics; outdoor fabrics (tents, awnings, rain gear etc)
rayon (cupro)	Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and undiluted bleaches. Resistant to dry cleaning solvents				circular cross section with no striations			sheer fabrics and netting; lightbulb filaments
rayon (viscose)	Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and undiluted bleaches. Resistant to dry cleaning solvents		direct		lengthwise striations; early samples have circular cross sections with serrations, later samples may be dog-boned or trilobal			rugs, cotton substitute, nonwoven fabrics, paper (cellophane)
vinal	Resistant to microorganisms, insects, and most chemicals.				fibers are smooth; cross section is round, ben-shaped or u-shaped			raincoats, jackets, umbrellas, tarps, fishnets, awnings.

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)

Fiber Burn Tests

Fiber	Appearance	Odor	Residue
Natural fibers
Cotton	Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, similar to paper	burnt paper	burnt ends look bushy
Linen	Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, similar to paper	burnt paper	burnt ends appear melted together
Silk	Burns and bubbles faster than wool with a yellow flame	burnt hair (mild)	black, brittle, spherical beads
Weighted silk	Does not burn; the fabric will char	burnt hair (faint)	fabric retains shape
Wool	Burns slowly; bubbles while burning; easy to put out flame	burnt hair (strong)	black, brittle, irregular beads
Synthetic fibers
Acrylic	Burns readily with smoky flame	acidic	hard ash
Aramid	Does not burn
Cellulose acetate	Burns fast with a yellow flame; may melt and sputter	burnt paper	hard, black beads; similar to silk
Modacrylic	Self-extinguishing
Nylon	Melts first, then ignites and burns rapidly.	burnt plastic
Polyester	Difficult to ignite, self-extinguishing. Burns with shiny, yellow-orange, sooty flame.	sweet	hard ash
Polyethylene	Burns with a heavy, sooty, waxy smoke. Softens at 120 C.
Polypropylene	Burns with a heavy, sooty, waxy smoke.
Polyurethane	Burns with bright flame and minimal smoke
Polyvinyl chloride	Burns with green smoky flame, self- extinguishing.	acidic; releases hydrochloric acid
Rayon (regenerated cellulose)	Burns very fast with a bright yellow flame, similar to paper	burnt paper	light, white ash
Vinal	Does not burn

Synonyms and Related Terms

fibers; fibre (Br., Fr.); fibra (Esp.); vezel (Ned); fibrous substance;

For easy printing and to download

Properties of Synthetic Fibers

Properties of Natural Fibers

Fiber Burn Tests

Resources and Citations

• Wikipedia: Fiber Accessed Oct. 2024
• G.Cook, Handbook of Textile Fibres:I. Natural Fibres, 5th edition, Merrow Publishing Co., Durham, England, 1984.
• J.Gordon Cook, Handbook of Textile Fibres:II Man-made Fibres, Merrow Publishing Co. , Durham, England
• Fairchild's Dictionary of Textiles, Phyllis G.Tortora, Robert S. Merkel (eds.), Fairchild Publications, New York City, 7th edition, 1996
• Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Dictionary of Fiber & Textile Technology (older version called Man-made Fiber and Textile Dictionary, 1965), Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Charlotte NC, 1990
• The Dictionary of Paper, American Paper Institute, New York, Fourth Edition, 1980
• E.J.LaBarre, Dictionary and Encyclopedia of Paper and Paper-making, Swets & Zeitlinger, Amsterdam, 1969
• R. J. Gettens, G.L. Stout, Painting Materials, A Short Encyclopaedia, Dover Publications, New York, 1966
• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971
• Mary-Lou Florian, Dale Paul Kronkright, Ruth E. Norton, The Conservation of Artifacts Made from Plant Materials, The Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles, 1990
• Matt Roberts, Don Etherington, Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books: a Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1982
• A.Lucas, J.R.Harris, Ancient Egyptian Materials and Industries, Edward Arnold Publishers Ltd., London, 4th edition, 1962
• Theodore J. Reinhart, 'Glossary of Terms', Engineered Plastics, ASM International, 1988
• Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, https://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000