Back to: Jss3 Home Economics (PVS)

Classes and Properties of Fibres

Classes of Fibres

Fibres can be classified into two broad categories:

1. Natural Fibers – These fibres are obtained from natural sources such as plants, animals, and minerals. Examples include cotton, wool, silk, and asbestos.
2. Synthetic Fibers – These fibres are produced artificially through chemical processes. Examples include nylon, polyester, and acrylic.

Properties of Fibers

Fibres can be differentiated based on several properties such as:

1. Strength – This refers to the ability of a fibre to withstand external forces without breaking. Natural fibres such as silk and wool have high strength, whereas synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester have even higher strength.
2. Elasticity – This refers to the ability of a fibre to stretch and then return to its original shape without breaking. Natural fibres such as wool and silk have good elasticity, whereas synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester have even better elasticity.
3. Moisture Absorption – This refers to the ability of a fibre to absorb moisture. Natural fibres such as cotton and wool have high moisture absorption, whereas synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester have low moisture absorption.
4. Heat Resistance – This refers to the ability of a fiber to withstand high temperatures without melting or decomposing. Synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon have good heat resistance, whereas natural fibers such as cotton and silk have poor heat resistance.
5. Flame Resistance – This refers to the ability of a fiber to resist burning when exposed to flame. Synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester have good flame resistance, whereas natural fibers such as cotton and wool have poor flame resistance.
6. Durability – This refers to the ability of a fiber to withstand wear and tear over a period of time. Synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester have high durability, whereas natural fibers such as cotton and wool have low durability.
7. Cost – This refers to the cost of production and availability of the fiber. Natural fibers such as cotton and wool are relatively inexpensive and widely available, whereas synthetic fibers such as Kevlar and carbon fiber are expensive and less readily available.

Cotton

Cotton is a natural fiber that is widely used for clothing, bedding, and other household items. 

Properties of Cotton

1. Softness: Cotton is soft and comfortable to wear, making it a popular choice for clothing.
2. Breathability: Cotton is highly breathable, which means it allows air to circulate around the body. This helps to keep the wearer cool and dry, making it ideal for hot weather.
3. Absorbency: Cotton can absorb up to 27 times its own weight in water. This makes it an excellent choice for towels and other items that need to absorb moisture.
4. Durability: Cotton is a strong and durable fibre that can withstand wear and tear, making it a long-lasting choice for clothing and other items.
5. Hypoallergenic: Cotton is naturally hypoallergenic, which means it is less likely to cause allergic reactions or skin irritation.
6. Easy to care for: Cotton is easy to care for and can be machine washed and dried without losing its shape or colour.
7. Versatility: Cotton can be blended with other fibres to create a wide range of fabrics with different properties, such as stretch, moisture-wicking, and wrinkle resistance.

Linen

Linen is a type of textile made from the fibres of the flax plant. It is a versatile and durable fabric that has been used for centuries in clothing, household items, and industrial applications. 

Properties of Linen

1. Strength and Durability: Linen is known for its strength and durability. It is 2-3 times stronger than cotton and can last for many years with proper care.
2. Breathability: Linen is highly breathable, making it a popular choice for warm-weather clothing. It allows air to flow through the fabric, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable.
3. Absorbency: Linen is also highly absorbent, which means it can absorb moisture without feeling damp or heavy. This makes it a great choice for items like towels and bedding.
4. Hypoallergenic: Linen is naturally hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
5. Crispness: Linen has a crisp, textured feel that gives it a unique look and feels. It wrinkles easily, but this is also part of its charm.
6. Eco-Friendly: Linen is an eco-friendly fabric because it is made from a renewable resource (flax) and requires less water and pesticides than other crops.
7. Versatility: Linen is a versatile fabric that can be used for a variety of purposes, from clothing to home decor. It can be dyed, printed, and embroidered, and it comes in a range of colours and patterns.

Wool

Wool is a natural fibre that is obtained from the hair of sheep or lamb. It is a popular textile material used for a variety of purposes, including clothing, blankets, and carpets. Properties of wool

1. Insulation: Wool is an excellent insulator, which means it can keep you warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather. This is because wool fibres trap air, creating a layer of insulation that helps regulate body temperature.
2. Moisture-wicking: Wool has a natural ability to absorb moisture without feeling wet. The moisture is then released into the air, which keeps you dry and comfortable. This makes wool a great choice for outdoor activities and exercise.
3. Flame-resistant: Wool is naturally flame-resistant, which means it does not easily catch fire. This makes it a safer choice for clothing and other textiles.
4. Durability: Wool fibres are strong and durable, which means they can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Wool clothing and other textiles are often long-lasting and can be passed down for generations.
5. Elasticity: Wool fibres are naturally elastic, which means they can stretch and return to their original shape without losing their strength or shape. This makes wool a great choice for clothing that needs to be flexible and comfortable.
6. Softness: Wool is naturally soft and comfortable to wear. It is also hypoallergenic, which means it is less likely to cause skin irritation or allergies.
7. Odour-resistant: Wool has a natural ability to resist odours, which means it stays fresh for longer periods of time between washings. This makes wool a great choice for clothing and other textiles that need to be worn multiple times before washing.

Silk

SILK is a natural protein fibre that is produced by the silkworm in the construction of its cocoon. It is a luxurious and highly prized textile due to its lustrous sheen, smooth texture, and excellent draping qualities.

Silk fabric is made by unravelling the silk fibres from the cocoons, which are then spun into a fine thread. This thread is then woven into different types of silk fabric, such as charmeuse, chiffon, and organza.

Silk is known for its excellent thermal properties, which make it a great fabric to wear in both warm and cold weather. It is also highly absorbent, making it comfortable to wear even in humid conditions. Additionally, silk is hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin.

Silk fabric is commonly used in high-end fashion, such as evening gowns, bridal wear, and luxury bedding. It is also used in upholstery and home decor, such as curtains and pillow covers.

Properties of Silk

SILK is a luxurious natural fiber that has been used in textile production for centuries. Some of the properties of silk include:

1. Softness and Comfort: Silk is incredibly soft and comfortable to wear, making it ideal for clothing and bedding.
2. Strength: Silk is a very strong fiber, which means that it is durable and long-lasting.
3. Lightweight: Silk is a very lightweight material, which makes it ideal for summer clothing.
4. Shiny: Silk has a natural sheen that gives it a lustrous appearance. This sheen is due to the way the fibers are arranged, which reflects light in a particular way.
5. Absorbent: Silk is a naturally absorbent material, which means that it can absorb moisture without feeling damp or wet. This makes it a great choice for clothing that is worn close to the skin.
6. Breathable: Silk is a very breathable material, which means that it allows air to circulate around the body. This helps to regulate body temperature and keep the wearer comfortable.
7. Hypoallergenic: Silk is a hypoallergenic material, which means that it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than other materials.
8. Dyeability: Silk is a highly dyeable material, which means that it can be colored in a wide range of colors.
9. Versatility: Silk is a very versatile material that can be used for a wide range of applications, from clothing and bedding to upholstery and drapes.

Viscose Rayon

Viscose Rayon is a type of fabric made from natural cellulose fibres that are chemically processed to create a soft, smooth, and lustrous material. Properties of viscose rayon

1. Softness: Viscose rayon is incredibly soft and has a luxurious feel. It drapes well and is comfortable to wear, making it a popular choice for clothing.
2. Absorbency: Viscose rayon has excellent absorbency, which means it can quickly wick moisture away from the skin. This property makes it a great choice for the clothing worn in hot and humid climates.
3. Breathability: Viscose rayon is also very breathable, which means it allows air to circulate freely through the fabric. This makes it an excellent choice for summer clothing.
4. Drape: Viscose rayon has excellent drape, which means it falls elegantly and flows gracefully. This property makes it a great choice for dresses, skirts, and other garments that require a smooth and flowing appearance.
5. Luster: Viscose rayon has a beautiful luster, which gives it a silky appearance. This property makes it an excellent choice for formal wear and evening dresses.
6. Versatility: Viscose rayon is a versatile fabric that can be used for a wide range of applications, from clothing to home furnishings.
7. Durability: While viscose rayon is not as strong as other natural fibers like cotton and silk, it is still a durable fabric that can withstand regular wear and tear.
8. Care: Viscose rayon is relatively easy to care for and can be machine-washed and dried. However, it may shrink if exposed to heat, so it’s essential to follow the care instructions carefully.

Acetate

Acetate is a chemical compound with the formula CH3COO-. Here are some of the properties of acetate:

1. Solubility: Acetate is highly soluble in water and many organic solvents.
2. Reactivity: Acetate is reactive and can undergo a range of chemical reactions. It can act as both a nucleophile and an electrophile, making it a versatile building block for organic synthesis.
3. Stability: Acetate is stable under normal conditions, but it can be oxidized to form acetic acid. It can also be hydrolyzed to form acetic acid and an alcohol.
4. Toxicity: Acetate is generally considered to be non-toxic, although it can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.
5. Odor: Acetate has a distinct odor that is often described as sweet or fruity.
6. Use: Acetate is widely used in the production of plastics, fibers, and other materials. It is also used as a solvent and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products.
7. Derivatives: Acetate can form derivatives with various functional groups, such as esters, amides, and halides. These derivatives can have different properties and uses than acetate itself.

Nylon

Nylon is a synthetic fibre that is commonly used in textiles. It was first developed in the 1930s by DuPont and has since become one of the most popular and widely used synthetic fibres in the world.

Nylon is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to abrasion, making it a popular choice for a variety of textile applications, including clothing, upholstery, and outdoor gear. It is also lightweight and moisture-resistant, which makes it ideal for use in activewear and other performance-oriented textiles.

Nylon is also valued for its aesthetic qualities. It can be easily dyed, and is available in a range of colours and textures. It is also relatively easy to care for and can be machine-washed and dried without fear of damage.

Properties of Nylon

1. High strength and durability: Nylon is a very strong and durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear without breaking or degrading. This makes it ideal for applications where toughness is important.
2. Chemical resistance: Nylon is resistant to many chemicals, including oils, solvents, and alkalis. This property makes it useful in a variety of industries, such as the automotive and chemical industries.
3. Low moisture absorption: Nylon has a low moisture absorption rate, which means it does not absorb water easily. This property makes it suitable for use in humid or wet environments.
4. Heat resistance: Nylon can withstand high temperatures without melting or deforming. This makes it useful in applications where high temperatures are involved, such as in the automotive and aerospace industries.
5. Lightweight: Nylon is a lightweight material that can be used to create strong and durable products without adding too much weight.
6. Resilience: Nylon has good resilience, which means it can return to its original shape after being bent or twisted.
7. Abrasion resistance: Nylon is resistant to abrasion, which means it can withstand the wear and tear of daily use without breaking down or degrading.
8. Low friction coefficient: Nylon has a low friction coefficient, which means it is easy to slide or move against other surfaces. This property makes it useful in applications where low friction is important, such as in bearings or gears.

Manufacturing Process of Fibres

Fibres are typically made by one of two methods: natural or synthetic. Natural fibres are obtained from plants and animals, while synthetic fibres are made from chemicals and polymers.

The manufacturing process of fibres varies depending on the type of fibre being produced. Here is a general overview of the manufacturing process for both natural and synthetic fibres:

1. Natural Fibers: Natural fibers are materials that are derived from plants, animals, or minerals and can be spun into yarns or threads. They have been used for thousands of years to make textiles and clothing, and are still widely used today.

Some common examples of natural fibers include cotton, wool, silk, linen, and hemp. These fibers are prized for their softness, breathability, and durability, and are often used in high-end clothing and home goods.

a) Cotton:

Cotton is a natural fiber obtained from the cotton plant. The manufacturing process for cotton fiber involves the following steps:

• Harvesting: Cotton is harvested from the plant by picking the cotton bolls.
• Ginning: The cotton fibers are separated from the seeds in a process called ginning.
• Cleaning: The cotton fibers are cleaned to remove any impurities.
• Carding: The cotton fibers are straightened and aligned in a process called carding.
• Spinning: The carded fibers are spun into yarn, which can be used to create textiles.

b) Wool:

Wool is a natural fiber obtained from the fleece of sheep. The manufacturing process for wool fiber involves the following steps:

• Shearing: The fleece is sheared from the sheep.
• Scouring: The fleece is washed to remove any impurities.
• Carding: The wool fibers are straightened and aligned in a process called carding.
• Spinning: The carded fibers are spun into yarn, which can be used to create textiles.

2. Synthetic Fibers:Synthetic fibers are man-made materials that are created from chemical compounds rather than natural sources like plants or animals. They are produced through a process called polymerization, which involves combining small molecules (monomers) into long chains (polymers).

The most common synthetic fibers include polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex. These fibers are widely used in the production of clothing, upholstery, carpets, and many other textiles.

One of the main advantages of synthetic fibers is their durability and resistance to wear and tear. They are also typically less expensive than natural fibers and can be produced in a wide variety of colors and textures. Additionally, they often have better moisture-wicking properties than natural fibers, making them suitable for use in athletic apparel.

a) Polyester:

Polyester is a synthetic fiber made from a polymer called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The manufacturing process for polyester fiber involves the following steps:

• Polymerization: PET is produced by reacting ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid in a reactor vessel.
• Melt spinning: The PET is melted and extruded through spinnerets to create filaments.
• Drawing: The filaments are stretched and drawn to align the molecules and increase strength.
• Crimping: The filaments are crimped to create texture.
• Finishing: The fibers are finished with chemicals to improve their properties.

b) Nylon:

Nylon is a synthetic fiber made from a polymer called polyamide. The manufacturing process for nylon fiber involves the following steps:

• Polymerization: Polyamide is produced by reacting a diamine and a dicarboxylic acid in a reactor vessel.
• Melt spinning: The polyamide is melted and extruded through spinnerets to create filaments.
• Drawing: The filaments are stretched and drawn to align the molecules and increase strength.
• Texturizing: The filaments are crimped or textured to create bulk and softness.
• Finishing: The fibers are finished with chemicals to improve their properties.

Experiment and Test on Different Fibres

Note: The table above summarizes the appearance test, microscopic test, and burning test results of different fibres. These tests are commonly used to identify fibres and their properties. It is important to note that some fibres may have similar test results, so additional tests may be necessary to determine the fibre type with certainty.