Textile Fibers Classification Quiz

Textile Fibers and Classification

• Textile fibers are categorized into two main types: natural and man-made.
• Natural fibers include:
  • Plant fibers (e.g., cotton, flax, hemp, jute, kenaf, ramie, sisal)
  • Animal fibers (e.g., wool, silk, alpaca, camel, cow, goat, horse, rabbit, vicuña)
  • Mineral fibers (e.g., asbestos)
• Man-made fibers include:
  • Synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester, nylon)
  • Regenerated fibers (e.g., rayon, acetate, milk fibers)

Detailed Classification of Textile Fibers

• Fibers are further classified into categories based on their origin: animal, vegetable, mineral, and man-made.
• Within each category, there are various subcategories.

Natural vs Man-Made Fibers

• Natural fibers:
  • Variable fiber length and diameter
  • Fiber structure cannot be changed
  • Fibers are typically either staple or filament forms
  • Fiber density and crimp are determined by nature
  • Limited natural color range
  • Production cycles are typically long and unpredictable
  • Made from natural polymers
• Man-made fibers:
  • Consistent fiber length and diameter
  • Fiber structure can be varied
  • Can be in filament or staple forms
  • Fiber density and crimp can be varied
  • Variety of colors available
  • Production cycles are typically shorter and more predictable
  • Made from polymers

Qualitative vs Quantitative Methods of Identifying Textile Fibers

• Qualitative methods identify the type of fiber present. Examples are microscopy, burn tests, and staining methods.
• Quantitative methods determine the amount of each fiber in a blend. Example: FTIR analysis and solubility methods

How Can a Textile Fiber Be Identified?

• Qualitative methods (AATCC 20) for single fiber type identification include:
  • Microscopy: Determine physical shape and match to known images
  • Burn test: Evaluate fiber reaction to flame, ash, smell, and smoke
  • Staining methods: Identify fiber type by color/shade change
  • Solubility method: Determine which solution fiber dissolves in
  • Melt point: Thermoplastic fibers melt at different temperatures

Burn Testing Textile Fibers

• Different fibers have distinct reactions to flame, producing unique appearances of ash.

Microscopic Appearance Evaluation of Textile Fibers

• Microscopic examination allows for visual identification of fiber structure and morphology.
• Images provide detailed views of fiber cross-sections and longitudinal views, enabling identification of the type of fabric.

Quantitative Fiber Identification (AATCC 20A)

• Methods like solubility (for simple blends like polyester/cotton), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and microscopic analysis for complex blends are used for accurate identification of fibers in a blend.

Solubility Method Example

• Polyester/cotton blend analysis using sulfuric acid dissolves the cellulose (cotton) component, allowing for quantitative measurement of the remaining polyester.

Infrared Spectra of Various Fibers (FTIR)

• FTIR spectroscopy provides unique spectral patterns for different fibers, helping in identifying fiber types.

Melting Point of Textile Fibers

• Different fibers have distinct melting points based on their chemical composition.

Impact of Temperature on Thermoplastic Fibers

• Temperature affects the physical and mechanical properties of thermoplastic fibers.
• Tg, the glass transition temperature, and Tm, the melting point, mark significant changes.

Homework

• Students should examine 10 clothing items to note their fiber compositions.
• Consider common fiber themes in different types of clothing.
• Describe how different fabrics feel and perform.