Textiles - Fibres Overview

Cotton fibers appear as hollow tubes with thin cell walls under a microscope.

Linen fibers have thick walls and a narrow central canal, with distinctive knobby markings.

Wool fibers have two distinct layers under a microscope, with overlapping scales on the top layer, and a fluid-filled rod structure underneath.

Silk fibers can either appear double rod-like with lumps of gum (raw silk) or smoother in cultivated silk, and they are broader than wool fibers and have an uneven width.

For cotton fibers, when wet and broken, the yarn ends are fluffy.

For linen fibers, when wet and broken, the yarn ends are pointed.

Linen absorbs more water than cotton.

Linen requires more force to tear than cotton.

Man-made fibers also known as man-made fibers

Plant fibers primarily composed of cellulose, a complex carbohydrate.

Cellulose is sensitive to acids and resistant to alkalis (at high temps, pressures).

Fibers sourced from animals, mainly wool and silk.

Poor conductors of heat, can build static electricity; react differently to acids and alkalis.

Methods for distinguishing types of fibers, including visual inspection, labels, and tests.

Observing a fabric's appearance and feel to identify the fiber type.

Fiber content and care instructions found on clothing labels.

The shine or brightness of a fabric.

Different techniques to identify fibers (visual and laboratory-based).

Silk threads that have been twisted to achieve different properties and end uses.

A type of thrown silk thread created by loosely twisting two or more raw silk threads in one direction. Used for weft yarns.

A thrown silk thread made by twisting raw silk in one direction, then twisting two or more of these threads together in the opposite direction. Used for warp yarns.

A thrown silk thread similar to organzine, but with a much tighter twist, resulting in a wrinkled or crinkled texture.

Cotton fibers are versatile, practical, and can be used in various products, from budget-friendly items to designer fashion.

A short fiber that can be unravelled from a fabric.

A long fibrous material.

A method to identify natural, synthetic, or blended fabrics by observing burning characteristics.

Cotton burns steadily, leaves soft gray ash, has a burning leaves odour, and a hot flame that destroys the fabric.

Linen takes time to ignite, leaves brittle ash, has a burning paper odour and a hot flame that extinguishes when blown.

Silk burns quickly, leaves easily crumbling ash, has a burning hair odour, and is hard to extinguish.

Wool is difficult to burn, leaves easily crumbling ash, has a burning hair odour and a steady flame.

Acetate leaves hard ash, has a burning hair odour, and has a flickering flame that can be extinguished.

Observing the length of fibers to determine whether fibers are staple or filament fibers. This is paired with visual inspection to assist in identifying fibers.

The basic building block of textiles; tiny, hair-like strands combined to create yarn and fabric.

The complex process of getting fibres to create fabrics, including resources for natural fibres and manufacturing.

A natural staple fibre, used globally but needing significant water.

Some natural fibres, like cotton, use substantially more water than others.

Fibres sourced from plants or animals.

Transforming fabric waste into new yarn and fabric.

Converting some synthetic fibres into new, high-quality ones.

Categorizing fibres as natural (plant or animal), or man-made.

Cotton farming uses vast amounts of water, affecting water resources, especially in drier regions.

While synthetic fibres require less water, their manufacturing process consumes significant energy and emits pollutants.

Reusing and recycling fibres reduces waste and resource consumption. Some synthetic fibres can be chemically recycled into new high-quality fibres.

Man-made fibers, also known as synthetic fibers, are created by humans through chemical processes. They are not found in nature in their fibrous form.

Cellulose is a complex compound found in plants. It's like a building block for plant cell walls. It's made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Cellulose fibers, like cotton, are sensitive to acids but resistant to strong alkalis (like lye) under high temperature and pressure. This makes them useful for specific processes.

Animal fibers like wool and silk are made of protein. They react differently to acids and alkalis, and are good insulators, making them comfortable to wear.

Visual inspection is crucial! Look at the fabric's appearance and touch it. Feel its texture, smoothness, and how cool or warm it feels.

A method to identify the type of fiber (natural, man-made, or blend) by observing how it burns, the ash it produces, the smell, and the flame behavior.

A simple test to determine if a fiber is a staple or filament by observing its length. It's often combined with visual inspection for better identification.

Cotton is a versatile, practical natural fiber known for its softness, breathability, and absorbency. It's widely used in clothing and household textiles.

Cotton fibers brushed to prepare them for spinning. It results in a fabric with a 'raw' feel.

Cotton fibers that have been combed, ensuring a smoother finish and a more refined feel in the resulting fabric.

Cotton with superior characteristics compared to standard varieties. It features longer staple fibres, resulting in a smoother and finer fabric.

The highest grade of cotton fabric or yarn. It is long-staple, combed, two-ply cotton that has been double-mercerized, resulting in a luxurious, silky touch.

A fabric made from organic cellulose fibers derived from cotton linters, offering a lightweight and cool alternative to silk and man-made linings.