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. 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
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