Fiber
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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.
- Animal: Wool, Alpaca, Mohair, Angora, and 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, Rayon, Saran, Spandex, Sulfar, Triacetate, Vinal, and Vinyon.
- Mineral: Asbestos, Glass, Carbon, 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
Resources and Citations
- 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