Fiber

== 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 	Density 	Denier (g/9000m)	Tenacity (g/denier) 	Elongation at break (%) 	Elongation at break (%) 	Initial modulus	Moisture regain (%)
acetate 	cellulose triacetate 	1919 	Celanese; Arnel; Tenite 	1.25-1.35	1.25-1.35	 	1.1-1.4 (dry); 0.65- 0.75 wet) 	25-35 (dry); 35-45 (wet) 	25-35 (dry); 35-45 (wet) 	35-40 	6.5
acrylic 	>85% acrylonitrile 	1950 	Acrilan, Creslan, Courtelle, Orlon	1.16-1.18	1.16-1.18	2-8 	2-3.6 (dry) 	20-55 	20-55 	25-63 	1.0-3.0
aramid (meta) 	poly-m-phenylene terephthalamide	 	Nomex, Conex 	1.38 	1.38 	2-5 	3-6 	2-30 	2-30 	130-150 	3.5
aramid (para) 	poly-p-phenylene terephthalamide	1965 	Kevlar 	1.44 	1.44 	1.0-1.5 	25-30 	3-6 	3-6 	500- 1000 	7.0
azlon 	protein 	1930s 	Aralac, Ardil, Lanital 	1.25-1.3 	1.25-1.3 	 	0.9-1.1 (dry); 0.3- 0.6 (wet) 	60-70 	60-70 	 	14
modacrylic 	35-85% acrylonitrile 	1949 	Dynel; Verel, SEF 	1.35-1.37	1.35-1.37	2-8 	1.8-2.5 (dry); 1.7- 2.4 (wet) 	35-48 	35-48 	25-56 	0.4-4.0
nylon 6 	polycaprolactam 	1939 	Perlon; Kapron, Power silk 	1.14 	1.14 	1.5-5 	3.8-8.3 (dry); 3.5- 7.1 (wet) 	16-50 (dry); 19-55 (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 	1.14 	1.5-5 	4.6-9.0 (dry); 4.0- 7.7 (wet) 	19-40% (dry); 32- 46% (wet)	19-40% (dry); 32- 46% (wet)	33-46 	3.8-4.5
nytril 	>85% vinylidene dintrile 	1955; discontinued in 1970s	Darvan 	1.18 	1.18 	 	2.0 (dry); 1.7 (wet) 	30 	30 	 	2-3
polyester 	polyester terephthalate 	1941 	Dacron, Terylene; Hollytex 	 	 	1.5-5 	2.2-9.5 	10-50 	10-50 	25-50 	0.1-0.4
polyethylene 	high density polyethylene 	1954 	Tyvek; Reevon 	0.95-0.96	0.95-0.96	2-10 	5.0-8.0 	14-20 	14-20 	 	<0.1
polypropylene 	polypropylene 	1957 	Herculon, Marvess 	0.85-0.94	0.85-0.94	2-10 	3.5-9.0 	15-35 	15-35 	29-45 	<0.1
polyurethane 	>85%polyurethane 	1958 	spandex, Lycra 	1.20-1.25	1.20-1.25	2.5-20 	0.5-1.5 	500-700 	500-700 	 	0.3-1.2
polyvinyl chloride	>85% vinyl chloride units 	 	vinyon; Evilon, Thermovyl 	1.38-1.40	1.38-1.40	 	2.7-3.0 (wet or dry) 	12-20 	12-20 	 	0
rayon (cupro) 	regenerated cellulose 	1890 	Cuprama; Cupresa 	1.54 	1.54 	2-3 	1.7-2.3 (dry); 1.1- 1.135 (wet) 	10-17 (dry); 17-23 (wet) 	10-17 (dry); 17-23 (wet) 	 	11-12.5
rayon (viscose) 	regenerated cellulose 	1892 	Avtex 	1.46-1.54	1.46-1.54	2-3 	2.0-2.6 (wdry); 1.0- 1.5 (wet) 	13-15 (dry); 20-40 (wet) 	13-15 (dry); 20-40 (wet) 	 	11-16.6
vinal 	>50% vinyl alcohol units 	1924 	Synthofil; Vinylon 	1.26-1.30	1.26-1.30	 	3.0 -8.5 (dry); 3.2- 7.6 (wet)	9-26 (dry); 10-27 (wet) 	9-26 (dry); 10-27 (wet) 	 	3.0-9.0
==Properties of Synthetic Fibers (Part 2)==
Fiber 	Degradation 	Degradation 	Dyes used 	Dyes used 	Microscopic characteristics 	Microscopic characteristics 	Microscopic characteristics 	Applications 	Applications 	Applications
acetate 	Degrades in acids and concentrated alkalis 	Degrades in acids and concentrated alkalis 	disperse 	disperse 	irregular cross section with multiple lobes; lengthwise striations 	irregular cross section with multiple lobes; lengthwise striations 	irregular cross section with multiple lobes; lengthwise striations 	coats, suits, linings, cigarette filters 	coats, suits, linings, cigarette filters 	coats, suits, linings, cigarette filters
acrylic 	Susceptible to heat; accumulates static charge 	Susceptible to heat; accumulates static charge 	basic, disperse, pigment 	basic, disperse, pigment 	variable cross section 	variable cross section 	variable cross section 	subsitute for wool in coats, sweaters, hosiery, blankets, filters 	subsitute for wool in coats, sweaters, hosiery, blankets, filters 	subsitute for wool in coats, sweaters, hosiery, blankets, filters
aramid (meta) 	Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents and UV light 	Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents and UV light 	 	 	fiber is smooth; cross section is dogbone 	fiber is smooth; cross section is dogbone 	fiber is smooth; cross section is dogbone 	filter bags for hot stack gases, flame-resistant clothing 	filter bags for hot stack gases, flame-resistant clothing 	filter bags for hot stack gases, flame-resistant clothing
aramid (para) 	Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents and UV light 	Degraded by acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents and UV light 	 	 	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular 	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular 	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular 	radial tires belts, bulletproof vests, resin reinforcements 	radial tires belts, bulletproof vests, resin reinforcements 	radial tires belts, bulletproof vests, resin reinforcements
azlon 	Degraded by alkalis; weak when wet; susceptible to microbiological growths 	Degraded by alkalis; weak when wet; susceptible to microbiological growths 	 	 	diameter=20-30 microns, cross section is circular or bean-shaped, filament is smooth 	diameter=20-30 microns, cross section is circular or bean-shaped, filament is smooth 	diameter=20-30 microns, cross section is circular or bean-shaped, filament is smooth 	silk substitute 	silk substitute 	silk substitute
modacrylic 	Resistant to alkalis and acids 	Resistant to alkalis and acids 	 	 	 	 	 	flame-resistant clothing, artificial fur, children's sleepwear, tents 	flame-resistant clothing, artificial fur, children's sleepwear, tents 	flame-resistant clothing, artificial fur, children's sleepwear, tents
nylon 6 	Degraded by concentrated acids and phenol; resistant to alkalis and most organic solvents 	Degraded by concentrated acids and phenol; resistant to alkalis and most organic solvents 	acid, disperse, mordant, pigment, reactive	acid, disperse, mordant, pigment, reactive	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular 	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular 	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular 	hosiery, lingerie, sports garments, upholstery 	hosiery, lingerie, sports garments, upholstery 	hosiery, lingerie, sports garments, upholstery
nylon 6,6 	Degraded by concentrated acids and phenol; resistant to alkalis and most organic solvents 	Degraded by concentrated acids and phenol; resistant to alkalis and most organic solvents 	acid, disperse, mordant, pigment, reactive	acid, disperse, mordant, pigment, reactive	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular or trilobal 	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular or trilobal 	fiber is smooth, cross section is circular or trilobal 	tires, ropes, seat belts, parachutes, fishing lines and nets; surgical sutures; brushes 	tires, ropes, seat belts, parachutes, fishing lines and nets; surgical sutures; brushes 	tires, ropes, seat belts, parachutes, fishing lines and nets; surgical sutures; brushes
nytril 	Resistant to sunlight, oxidation and insects. 	Resistant to sunlight, oxidation and insects. 	 	 	opaque, white with flattened or hook-shaped cross section 	opaque, white with flattened or hook-shaped cross section 	opaque, white with flattened or hook-shaped cross section 	sweaters, pile fabrics, in wool blends 	sweaters, pile fabrics, in wool blends 	sweaters, pile fabrics, in wool blends
polyester 	Degrades in strong acids, strong alkalis and creson. 	Degrades in strong acids, strong alkalis and creson. 	disperse, pigment 	disperse, pigment 	smooth fibers; cross section may be circular, trilobal or polygon 	smooth fibers; cross section may be circular, trilobal or polygon 	smooth fibers; cross section may be circular, trilobal or polygon 	permanent press clothing, fiberfill, carpets, sewing thread, seat belts, yarns, nonwoven fabrics	permanent press clothing, fiberfill, carpets, sewing thread, seat belts, yarns, nonwoven fabrics	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	Resistant to acids, alkalis and bleaches; dissolves in dry-cleaning solvents, degrades slowly in sunlight	basic, disperse pigments 	basic, disperse pigments 	cross section is circular or elliptical 	cross section is circular or elliptical 	cross section is circular or elliptical 	cordage, webbing; upholstery, outdoor applications 	cordage, webbing; upholstery, outdoor applications 	cordage, webbing; upholstery, outdoor applications
polypropylene 	Resistant to strong acids and alkalis; resistant to biodeterioration 	Resistant to strong acids and alkalis; resistant to biodeterioration 	basic, disperse pigments 	basic, disperse pigments 	cross section is circular or elliptical 	cross section is circular or elliptical 	cross section is circular or elliptical 	upholstery, carpets, ropes, nets, disposable nonwoven fabrics 	upholstery, carpets, ropes, nets, disposable nonwoven fabrics 	upholstery, carpets, ropes, nets, disposable nonwoven fabrics
polyurethane 	Chlorine causes slow degradation 	Chlorine causes slow degradation 	acid, disperse, reactive, vat 	acid, disperse, reactive, vat 	 	 	 	elastomeric fabrics; swimwere; althletic clothes 	elastomeric fabrics; swimwere; althletic clothes 	elastomeric fabrics; swimwere; althletic clothes
polyvinyl chloride	Soluble in chlorinated and aromatic solvents; degrades with heat and light 	Soluble in chlorinated and aromatic solvents; degrades with heat and light 	basic, disperse, pigment 	basic, disperse, pigment 	irregular cross section 	irregular cross section 	irregular cross section 	elastomeric fabrics; outdoor fabrics (tents, awnings, rain gear etc) 	elastomeric fabrics; outdoor fabrics (tents, awnings, rain gear etc) 	elastomeric fabrics; outdoor fabrics (tents, awnings, rain gear etc)
rayon (cupro) 	Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and undiluted bleaches. Resistant to dry cleaning solvents 	Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and undiluted bleaches. Resistant to dry cleaning solvents 	 	 	circular cross section with no striations 	circular cross section with no striations 	circular cross section with no striations 	sheer fabrics and netting; lightbulb filaments 	sheer fabrics and netting; lightbulb filaments 	sheer fabrics and netting; lightbulb filaments
rayon (viscose) 	Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and undiluted bleaches. Resistant to dry cleaning solvents 	Degrades in strong alkalis, acids and undiluted bleaches. Resistant to dry cleaning solvents 	direct 	direct 	lengthwise striations; early samples have circular cross sections with serrations, later samples may be dog-boned or trilobal	lengthwise striations; early samples have circular cross sections with serrations, later samples may be dog-boned or trilobal	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) 	rugs, cotton substitute, nonwoven fabrics, paper (cellophane) 	rugs, cotton substitute, nonwoven fabrics, paper (cellophane)
vinal 	Resistant to microorganisms, insects, and most chemicals. 	Resistant to microorganisms, insects, and most chemicals. 	 	 	fibers are smooth; cross section is round, ben-shaped or u-shaped 	fibers are smooth; cross section is round, ben-shaped or u-shaped 	fibers are smooth; cross section is round, ben-shaped or u-shaped 	raincoats, jackets, umbrellas, tarps, fishnets, awnings. 	raincoats, jackets, umbrellas, tarps, fishnets, awnings. 	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 	Natural fibers 	Natural fibers 	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 	Synthetic fibers 	Synthetic fibers 	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 ==
== 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
Category:Materials databaseCategory:MWGCategory:ComparisonsCategory: Sheet, Fabric