Textiles Natural Manufactured

Fibers Basic Unit of all Textile Products- tiny hair like. All fibers have their own characteristics and properties, depending upon their source, chemical composition, and quality. No fiber is perfect. Each has some good, fair, and poor qualities that may make it suitable or unsuitable for certain uses.

Fibers con’t The basic characteristics of a fiber can be slightly altered but never totally changed. The fiber may be short, long, straight, or curly. These fiber characteristics greatly affect the appearance, and performance of the fabrics they are made into. The Characteristics you look for in children’s clothing are totally different that you would look for in evening wear for yourself. An understanding of fibers, yarns, and fabrics if basic to the study of apparel.

Fiber Sources Natural- occurs naturally in nature Cellulosic Fibers and Protein Fibers Manufactured- is made from chemicals or natural fibers that are chemically changed 2 Types of Manufactured Cellulosic and Synthetic

Fiber Sources Natural- Plant or Animal fiber that grows in nature. Two categories: Cellulosic Fibers (plant)- Include: Cotton, Linen (hemp), Ramie, Jute, Bamboo Protein Fibers (animal) Include: Wool, Silk, Leather

Fiber Sources (con’t) Manufactured- (Cellulosic) Made from a Natural material called Cellulose. The cellulose is turned into a liquid and poured through a spinneret. Includes: Acetate, Rayon, Triacetate, Lyocell.

Fiber Sources (con’t) Manufactured Non-cellulosic (may be called “Synthetic”- Made from chemicals, petroleum, coal, and natural gas. All of these fibers are manufactured from different combinations of petroleum, natural gas, air and water. They are poured through a spinneret. Include: Acrylic, Polyester, Nylon, Modacrylic, Spandex, and Olefin.

Natural Fibers General Characteristics Absorbent Breathable- porous fibers Biodegradable Most Wrinkle, some exceptions Often very luxurious, and more expensive than Manufactured Fibers

Manufactured Fibers General Characteristics Low absorbency Non-breathable Wrinkle resistant Usually less expensive Heat Sensitive

Fiber Structures Staple Fibers- Short & Fuzzy- Usually between 1” and 4” long. These tiny fibers already exist in a plant or animal. The fibers just need to be cleaned up, sorted, and purified before they are used for fabrics. Short Look lumpy and bumpy under a microscope Include all natural fibers, except silk

Fiber Structures (con’t) Filament Fibers- Long and smooth (like fishing line) Include all man-made, and synthetic fibers Include Silk Manufactured Fibers can be cut to a staple length to create a fabrics that look like a natural fiber. Spinneret- All man-made and Synthetic fibers are poured through a Spinneret to create the fiber.

Natural Fibers- Sources Plants and animals sources that grow in nature Cellulosic- Plant fibers Cotton Linen (flax) Ramie Hemp Bamboo Protein- Animal fibers Wool Silk Leather

Manufactured Fibers- Cellulosic Acetate Lyocell (Tencel®) Rayon

Manufactured- Cellulosic Sources Made from a natural material called “cellulose.” Found in the plant wall of different plants. General Characteristics: Breathable Wrinkles Heat Sensitive Absorbent

Manufactured Fibers Non-Cellulosic Sources: Coal Water Air Chemicals Petroleum

Manufactured Fibers Non-Cellulosic General Characteristics: Non Breathable Wrinkle Free- Resilient Non-absorbent May be less expensive

Resources: http://www.elann.com/Commerce.Web/fibre_facts.aspx http://www.qqm.cz/link/spinning.pdf

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