Textile Fibers
There are two kinds of textile fibers: 1. Natural fibers 2. Man-made Fibers
List of Natural Fibers
From animal protein
Alpaca, Angora, Byssus, Camel hair, Cashmere, Catgut, Chiengora, Guanaco, Llama, Mohair, Pashmina, Qiviut, Silk, Sinew, Spider silk, Wool
Vicuna etc.
Vegetable fibers
Abaca, Bamboo, Coir, Cotton, Flax (Linen), Hemp, Jute, Kapok, Kenaf, Pina, Raffia palm, Ramie, Sisel, Wood
Mineral Fibers
Asbestos
Some Common Natural Fibers in Brief
Alpaca
Alpaca fleece is a natural animal fiber. Alpacas can be found in a variation of 22 natural colors or a combination of colors.
There are two types of Alpaca, they are:
Huacaya is the "teddy bear", whose full coat presents a round and wooly appearance. As because it grows soft spongy natural crimp fiber thus produce a naturally elastic yarn which is well-suited for knitting.
Mop-like Suri alpacas have long shiny locks like very soft, slightly curly hair. It is rare and expensive.
Characteristics
· Light-weight, soft, durable, luxurious and silky
· it is warmer, not prickly
· It is hypoallergenic
· It is naturally water-repellent
Uses to produce
Scarves, Gloves, Jumpers, Suits
Angora rabbit
This is a specialty animal fiber. It is softer, finer and warmer than sheep’s wool. Angora rabbit fiber is processed generally in long staple system, but spinning in short staple system. The spinning of 100% Angora rabbit fibers is difficult as because of low fiber cohesion. So it is commonly used in blends with other fibers. Angoras are bred mainly for their silky and soft wool soft. Angora wool is 7-8 times warmer than sheep wool.
There are four different ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders’ Association) recognized Angora rabbit breeds. Another is German Angora which is not ARBA recognized but it has its own association, the IAGARB:
1. English Angora
2. French Angora
3. Giant Angora ARBA Recognized (1 to 3)
4. Satin Angora
5. German Angora IGARB Recognized (4 to 5)
Characteristics
-It is naturally very clean
-Ultra soft, fluffy, light-weight, and warm
Uses:
Knit wear made with Angora fiber is prescribed by European Physician to those who want relief from pain (without taking any drugs).
Cashmere
A valuable natural animal fiber comes from the cashmere goat ((Capra hircus laniger) and is a type of wool. Cashmere found in a variety of colors. It is considered as a “Fiber of King”. It is also acknowledged as “Soft Gold” or “Fiber Diamond”.
Cashmere fibers are collected by either combing or shearing the animal during the molting season. Goats molt during a several week period in the spring.
China has become the largest producer of raw cashmere (60% of the world’s supply) and balanced quantity produced in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Australia, New Zealand, Kashmir and Afghanistan.
Characteristics
· The fiber is biodegradable
· It is fine, soft, and absorbent
Uses
Sweater, Socks, Hats, Underwear,Quilts etc.
Cotton
Cotton is a soft, fluffy natural staple fiber which grows in a protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants. The fiber is composed of about 90 % cellulose and around 6% moisture. Balance 4% consists of natural impurities. Different types of cotton produced on basis of their uses. They are:
Ø American Pima
It is grown in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California. It is fine, strong, silky and lustrous.
Used: apparels and home furnishing fabrics.
Ø Egyptian Cotton
It is light brown in color, fine, strong.
Used: bead sheets, cushion covers etc.
Ø Asiatic Cotton
It is cultivated mainly in India, China.
Used: apparel home furnishing and surgical supplies.
Ø Upland Cotton
It is mainly cultivated in America.
Characteristics
·Comfortable
·Good absorbance
·Color retention
·Machine-washable and dry-cleanable
·Good strength and drapes well
Uses
Silk
Silk is a natural protein fiber which was firstly produced in China. Silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm.
Silk produces from moth caterpillars used for textile manufacturing.
Characteristics
· Soft or Crisp Feeling
· Drapes Property is good
· Luxurious
· Possible to hand Washing & dry Cleaning
· No pilling problem
· It is good resistant to the abrasion
· Poor light fastness
· It creates static charges which makes uncomfortable feelings
Uses
Making Dresses, Blouses, Skirts, Jackets, Pants, Scarves, Ties etc.
Wool
Wool is a superior animal protein fiber that is hollow and has a semi-coarse texture. It is obtained from sheep.
Characteristics
· It is crimped
· It is elastic
· Hygroscopic, it can readily absorb moisture
· Low heat release
· Does not melt or drip
· Resistant to static electricity
Uses
Blankets, Horse rugs, Wool carpet for train or aircraft, Fire –fighters and soldiers garment
Abaca
A natural vegetable fiber found in the stem of the abaca plant. It is a member of the banana family, Musa Textilis (Botanical Name). The fiber is also called Manila Hemp.
It is one of the biggest exports of the Philippines
Characteristics
· High tensile strength and versatility
· It is bio-degradable and environment friendly
· Resistance to the action of salt water
· Has a beautiful texture
Used to Manufacturer:
Marine cordage, Abrasive backing papers, Tea bags, Well-drilling cables, Abaca furniture
Bamboo- 100% Organic Fiber
Bamboo fiber is naturally organic as because it is grown without pesticides and fertilizers. It is a vegetable fiber extracted from the starchy pulp of bamboo plants (Bambusoideae).
Starchy pulp is a refined product of bamboo stems and leaves through a process of hydrolysis-alkalization and multi-phase bleaching. Chemical fiber factories then process it into bamboo fiber.
It can be blended with other fibers.
Characteristics
· Excellent wet permeability
· Moisture vapor transmission property
· Hypoallergenic
· Naturally anti-bacterial fiber
Uses
Jackets, Coats, Blankets, Towels, Sweaters, Tight T-shirt, Underwear, Nurse Wears, Surgical Cloths
Coir
Coir is a biodegradable organic fiber harvested from the outer shell of a coconut.
Two variations of coir,
1. Dark brown coir, harvested from ripe coconuts
2. White coir, harvested from coconuts before they are ripe
Characteristics
· Resistant to rot, moulds and moisture
· It is waterproof
· Resistant to damage by salt water.
Uses
Coir mainly used in agricultural textiles. Non-woven coir used for:
· Basket Liners
· Bio-rolls used for development of plant
· Coco Logs used for shore protection.
· Roof greening Mats
· Mulch Blankets
Flax (Linen)
Flax is the strongest vegetable fiber which is obtained from the skin or bast of the stem of the flax plant. Before the fiber is spun into yarn is called Flax (Linum usitatissimum). After it is spun calls Linen.
Characteristics
· The fiber is soft, lustrous and flexible
· Highly absorbent
· Good conductor of heat
· It has poor elasticity
Jute
Jute is a long, soft and most affordable natural fiber which can be spun into coarse, strong threads. It is produced from plants in the genus Corchorus, which has been classified in the family Tiliaceae, or more recently in Malvaceae.
The best varieties of Jute are Bangla Tosha - Corchorus olitorius (Golden shine) and Bangla White - Corchorus capsularis (Whitish Shine), and Mesta or
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is another species with fibre similar to Jute with medium quality.
Characteristics
-Jute is 100% bio-degradable & recyclable
- Jute is a natural fiber with golden & silky shine
--It has high tensile strength, and low extensibility
Uses for
Jute Clothes, Home Textiles, Floor Decor, Wall Decor, Apparels, Garments, Mats, Boxes, Package Materials, Shoes, Doors & Pannels,
Furniture and many more
List of Man-made Fibers
Cellulose Fibers are as follows:
Cellulose Acetate, Artificial silk, Rayon, Bamboo etc.
Non-cellulosic Polymer:
Acrylic, Aramid, Derclon, Microfiber etc.
Mineral Fibers are:
Glass, Carbon (Tinax), Basalt, Metallic, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Polyethylene, Spandex, Vinalon, Zylon etc.
Man-made Fibers in Brief
Acetate refers to cellulose acetate is a man-made fiber in which the forming substance is cellulose acetate.
Cellulose acetate or acetate rayon fiber is a synthetic fibers and is based on cotton or tree pulp cellulose ("Biopolymers").
Acetate is derived from cellulose by deconstructing wood pulp into a purified fluffy white cellulose.
Characteristics
Home furnishings, Upholstery, Dress linings, Wedding and party attire, Diapers, Surgical products, Cigarette filters, Feminine hygiene products
Button, Sunglasses
Rayon
A fiber composed of regenerated cellulose, derived from wood pulp, cotton linters, or other vegetable matter. It is the first semi-synthetic fiber.
Purified cellulose is chemically converted into a soluble compound. Then the solution of this compound is passed through the spinneret to form soft filaments and converted into almost pure cellulose. Because of the reconversion of the soluble compound to cellulose, it is referred to as a regenerated cellulose fiber.
The two most commonly used production methods for rayon are
§ The Cuprammonium process
§ The Viscose process- most rayon is made by the viscose process.
Rayon is an engineered fiber. There are many different kinds of rayon which are engineered for different uses.
Tencel and Modal are the rayons developed by Austrian company. Tencel is Lenzing's trade name for lyocell, a rayon made from wood pulp.
Characteristics
· It has a silky feel and lustrous appearance
· Good draping qualities
· Highly absorbent
· Easy to dye
Uses
Tops and skirts, Shirts and other dresses, Blankets, Bedspreads, Medical Surgery products, Feminine hygiene products and diapers
Modal
Modal is a wood pulp based cellulosic fiber made by spinning reconstituted cellulose from beech trees. Processing the beech wood into a cellulose fiber is a man made process which uses more energy than processing natural fibers. Modal is widely used in clothing as a replacement for cotton. It can be used on its own or in a blend with cotton, wool and other synthetic fibers.
Characteristics
· Hygroscopic
· Smooth and soft
· Water-absorbent
· It is resistant to shrinkage and fading.
· It is eco-friendly and Biodegradable
Uses
Towels, Bathrobes, Bed sheet, Socks, Undergarments, Rubber cloths and other coating supports
Nylon
Nylon is a light synthetic man-made fiber made from petroleum products.
Characteristics
Ø Exceptionally strong
Ø Elastic
Ø Abrasion resistant
Ø Lustrous
Ø Resistant to damage from oil and many chemicals
Ø Resilient and responsive to heat setting
Uses
Hosiery, Lingerie, Raincoats, Carpets, Dental Floss, Luggage, Umbrella
Polyester
Polyester is defined as long-chain polymers chemically composed of at least 85 percent by weight of an ester and a di-hydric alcohol and a terephthalic acid.
There are many possible variations of the generic polyester fiber. They are:
§ polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
§ poly-1,4, cyclohexylene dimethylene (PCDT)
§ polyethylene oxybenzoate (PEB)
Characteristics
Ø Strong
Ø Resistant to stretching and shrinking
Ø Resistant to most chemicals
Ø Quick drying
Ø Crisp and resilient when wet or dry
Ø Wrinkle resistant
Ø Mildew resistant
Ø Abrasion resistant etc
Uses
Carpets, Sheets and pillow cases, Wall coverings, Upholstery, Ropes and nets
Acrylic fibers are synthetic fibers made from a polymer (Polyacrylonitrile).
Acrylic fibers are formed from wet or dry spinning of copolymers containing at least 85% acrylonitrile units. Orlon was the first acrylic fiber.
Acrylic fiber is a good moisture management ability because of its moisture transportation or wicking.
It is also used in clothing as a less expensive alternative to cashmere.
Characteristics
· It is lightweight, soft, and warm, with a wool-like feel.
· It resists shrinkage and wrinkles
· Resistant to moths, oils, chemicals, odor and mildew
· High tenacity and high strength
· Ability to attract and convey moisture
· Odor and mildew resistant
Uses
Underwear, Socks, Sweater, Sleepwear, Carpets, Blankets, Paper making, Cloth for bags, Tents
Spandex/ Elastan
Spandex, is a light weight, elastomeric, synthetic fiber in which the fiber forming substance is a long chain synthetic polymer comprised of at least 85% of a segmented polyurethane.
Du Pont used the brand name Lycra, Dorlastan by Bayer company.
Characteristics
·Stretched repeatedly and able to recover its approximate original length and shape
·99% recovery at 200% stretch
·Stretched more than 500% without breaking
·Stronger and durable
· Lightweight, soft and smooth
·Resistant to deterioration by oils, perspiration, or detergents
·Abrasion resistant
Uses
Swimsuits, Golf jackets, Disposable diaper, Bra straps and side panels, Surgical hose
References:
- Natural Fibers are biodegradable and found in nature
- The fibers which are made artificially named Man-made Fiber.
List of Natural Fibers
From animal protein
Alpaca, Angora, Byssus, Camel hair, Cashmere, Catgut, Chiengora, Guanaco, Llama, Mohair, Pashmina, Qiviut, Silk, Sinew, Spider silk, Wool
Vicuna etc.
Vegetable fibers
Abaca, Bamboo, Coir, Cotton, Flax (Linen), Hemp, Jute, Kapok, Kenaf, Pina, Raffia palm, Ramie, Sisel, Wood
Mineral Fibers
Asbestos
Some Common Natural Fibers in Brief
Alpaca
Alpaca fleece is a natural animal fiber. Alpacas can be found in a variation of 22 natural colors or a combination of colors.
There are two types of Alpaca, they are:
Huacaya is the "teddy bear", whose full coat presents a round and wooly appearance. As because it grows soft spongy natural crimp fiber thus produce a naturally elastic yarn which is well-suited for knitting.
Mop-like Suri alpacas have long shiny locks like very soft, slightly curly hair. It is rare and expensive.
Characteristics
· Light-weight, soft, durable, luxurious and silky
· it is warmer, not prickly
· It is hypoallergenic
· It is naturally water-repellent
Uses to produce
Scarves, Gloves, Jumpers, Suits
Angora rabbit
This is a specialty animal fiber. It is softer, finer and warmer than sheep’s wool. Angora rabbit fiber is processed generally in long staple system, but spinning in short staple system. The spinning of 100% Angora rabbit fibers is difficult as because of low fiber cohesion. So it is commonly used in blends with other fibers. Angoras are bred mainly for their silky and soft wool soft. Angora wool is 7-8 times warmer than sheep wool.
There are four different ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders’ Association) recognized Angora rabbit breeds. Another is German Angora which is not ARBA recognized but it has its own association, the IAGARB:
1. English Angora
2. French Angora
3. Giant Angora ARBA Recognized (1 to 3)
4. Satin Angora
5. German Angora IGARB Recognized (4 to 5)
Characteristics
-It is naturally very clean
-Ultra soft, fluffy, light-weight, and warm
Uses:
Knit wear made with Angora fiber is prescribed by European Physician to those who want relief from pain (without taking any drugs).
Cashmere
A valuable natural animal fiber comes from the cashmere goat ((Capra hircus laniger) and is a type of wool. Cashmere found in a variety of colors. It is considered as a “Fiber of King”. It is also acknowledged as “Soft Gold” or “Fiber Diamond”.
Cashmere fibers are collected by either combing or shearing the animal during the molting season. Goats molt during a several week period in the spring.
China has become the largest producer of raw cashmere (60% of the world’s supply) and balanced quantity produced in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Australia, New Zealand, Kashmir and Afghanistan.
Characteristics
· The fiber is biodegradable
· It is fine, soft, and absorbent
Uses
Sweater, Socks, Hats, Underwear,Quilts etc.
Cotton
Cotton is a soft, fluffy natural staple fiber which grows in a protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants. The fiber is composed of about 90 % cellulose and around 6% moisture. Balance 4% consists of natural impurities. Different types of cotton produced on basis of their uses. They are:
Ø American Pima
It is grown in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California. It is fine, strong, silky and lustrous.
Used: apparels and home furnishing fabrics.
Ø Egyptian Cotton
It is light brown in color, fine, strong.
Used: bead sheets, cushion covers etc.
Ø Asiatic Cotton
It is cultivated mainly in India, China.
Used: apparel home furnishing and surgical supplies.
Ø Upland Cotton
It is mainly cultivated in America.
Characteristics
·Comfortable
·Good absorbance
·Color retention
·Machine-washable and dry-cleanable
·Good strength and drapes well
Uses
- Apparel
- Home Furnishings
- Industrial Applications
Silk
Silk is a natural protein fiber which was firstly produced in China. Silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm.
Silk produces from moth caterpillars used for textile manufacturing.
Characteristics
· Soft or Crisp Feeling
· Drapes Property is good
· Luxurious
· Possible to hand Washing & dry Cleaning
· No pilling problem
· It is good resistant to the abrasion
· Poor light fastness
· It creates static charges which makes uncomfortable feelings
Uses
Making Dresses, Blouses, Skirts, Jackets, Pants, Scarves, Ties etc.
Wool
Wool is a superior animal protein fiber that is hollow and has a semi-coarse texture. It is obtained from sheep.
Characteristics
· It is crimped
· It is elastic
· Hygroscopic, it can readily absorb moisture
· Low heat release
· Does not melt or drip
· Resistant to static electricity
Uses
Blankets, Horse rugs, Wool carpet for train or aircraft, Fire –fighters and soldiers garment
Abaca
A natural vegetable fiber found in the stem of the abaca plant. It is a member of the banana family, Musa Textilis (Botanical Name). The fiber is also called Manila Hemp.
It is one of the biggest exports of the Philippines
Characteristics
· High tensile strength and versatility
· It is bio-degradable and environment friendly
· Resistance to the action of salt water
· Has a beautiful texture
Used to Manufacturer:
Marine cordage, Abrasive backing papers, Tea bags, Well-drilling cables, Abaca furniture
Bamboo- 100% Organic Fiber
Bamboo fiber is naturally organic as because it is grown without pesticides and fertilizers. It is a vegetable fiber extracted from the starchy pulp of bamboo plants (Bambusoideae).
Starchy pulp is a refined product of bamboo stems and leaves through a process of hydrolysis-alkalization and multi-phase bleaching. Chemical fiber factories then process it into bamboo fiber.
It can be blended with other fibers.
Characteristics
· Excellent wet permeability
· Moisture vapor transmission property
· Hypoallergenic
· Naturally anti-bacterial fiber
Uses
Jackets, Coats, Blankets, Towels, Sweaters, Tight T-shirt, Underwear, Nurse Wears, Surgical Cloths
Coir
Coir is a biodegradable organic fiber harvested from the outer shell of a coconut.
Two variations of coir,
1. Dark brown coir, harvested from ripe coconuts
2. White coir, harvested from coconuts before they are ripe
Characteristics
· Resistant to rot, moulds and moisture
· It is waterproof
· Resistant to damage by salt water.
Uses
Coir mainly used in agricultural textiles. Non-woven coir used for:
· Basket Liners
· Bio-rolls used for development of plant
· Coco Logs used for shore protection.
· Roof greening Mats
· Mulch Blankets
Flax (Linen)
Flax is the strongest vegetable fiber which is obtained from the skin or bast of the stem of the flax plant. Before the fiber is spun into yarn is called Flax (Linum usitatissimum). After it is spun calls Linen.
Characteristics
· The fiber is soft, lustrous and flexible
· Highly absorbent
· Good conductor of heat
· It has poor elasticity
Jute
Jute is a long, soft and most affordable natural fiber which can be spun into coarse, strong threads. It is produced from plants in the genus Corchorus, which has been classified in the family Tiliaceae, or more recently in Malvaceae.
The best varieties of Jute are Bangla Tosha - Corchorus olitorius (Golden shine) and Bangla White - Corchorus capsularis (Whitish Shine), and Mesta or
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is another species with fibre similar to Jute with medium quality.
Characteristics
-Jute is 100% bio-degradable & recyclable
- Jute is a natural fiber with golden & silky shine
--It has high tensile strength, and low extensibility
Uses for
Jute Clothes, Home Textiles, Floor Decor, Wall Decor, Apparels, Garments, Mats, Boxes, Package Materials, Shoes, Doors & Pannels,
Furniture and many more
List of Man-made Fibers
Cellulose Fibers are as follows:
Cellulose Acetate, Artificial silk, Rayon, Bamboo etc.
Non-cellulosic Polymer:
Acrylic, Aramid, Derclon, Microfiber etc.
Mineral Fibers are:
Glass, Carbon (Tinax), Basalt, Metallic, Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Polyethylene, Spandex, Vinalon, Zylon etc.
Man-made Fibers in Brief
Acetate refers to cellulose acetate is a man-made fiber in which the forming substance is cellulose acetate.
Cellulose acetate or acetate rayon fiber is a synthetic fibers and is based on cotton or tree pulp cellulose ("Biopolymers").
Acetate is derived from cellulose by deconstructing wood pulp into a purified fluffy white cellulose.
Characteristics
- Cellulosic and thermoplastic in nature
- Selective absorption and removal of low levels of certain organic chemicals
- Easily bonded with plasticizers, heat, and pressure
- Hypoallergenic
- High surface area
- Luxurious feel and appearance
- Excellent drapability and softness
- It can be composted
- allows cross-dyeing
- Resistant to mold, mildew and shrink
- Fast drying , can usually be wet cleaned or dry cleaned
Home furnishings, Upholstery, Dress linings, Wedding and party attire, Diapers, Surgical products, Cigarette filters, Feminine hygiene products
Button, Sunglasses
Rayon
A fiber composed of regenerated cellulose, derived from wood pulp, cotton linters, or other vegetable matter. It is the first semi-synthetic fiber.
Purified cellulose is chemically converted into a soluble compound. Then the solution of this compound is passed through the spinneret to form soft filaments and converted into almost pure cellulose. Because of the reconversion of the soluble compound to cellulose, it is referred to as a regenerated cellulose fiber.
The two most commonly used production methods for rayon are
§ The Cuprammonium process
§ The Viscose process- most rayon is made by the viscose process.
Rayon is an engineered fiber. There are many different kinds of rayon which are engineered for different uses.
Tencel and Modal are the rayons developed by Austrian company. Tencel is Lenzing's trade name for lyocell, a rayon made from wood pulp.
Characteristics
· It has a silky feel and lustrous appearance
· Good draping qualities
· Highly absorbent
· Easy to dye
Uses
Tops and skirts, Shirts and other dresses, Blankets, Bedspreads, Medical Surgery products, Feminine hygiene products and diapers
Modal
Modal is a wood pulp based cellulosic fiber made by spinning reconstituted cellulose from beech trees. Processing the beech wood into a cellulose fiber is a man made process which uses more energy than processing natural fibers. Modal is widely used in clothing as a replacement for cotton. It can be used on its own or in a blend with cotton, wool and other synthetic fibers.
Characteristics
· Hygroscopic
· Smooth and soft
· Water-absorbent
· It is resistant to shrinkage and fading.
· It is eco-friendly and Biodegradable
Uses
Towels, Bathrobes, Bed sheet, Socks, Undergarments, Rubber cloths and other coating supports
Nylon
Nylon is a light synthetic man-made fiber made from petroleum products.
Characteristics
Ø Exceptionally strong
Ø Elastic
Ø Abrasion resistant
Ø Lustrous
Ø Resistant to damage from oil and many chemicals
Ø Resilient and responsive to heat setting
Uses
Hosiery, Lingerie, Raincoats, Carpets, Dental Floss, Luggage, Umbrella
Polyester
Polyester is defined as long-chain polymers chemically composed of at least 85 percent by weight of an ester and a di-hydric alcohol and a terephthalic acid.
There are many possible variations of the generic polyester fiber. They are:
§ polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
§ poly-1,4, cyclohexylene dimethylene (PCDT)
§ polyethylene oxybenzoate (PEB)
Characteristics
Ø Strong
Ø Resistant to stretching and shrinking
Ø Resistant to most chemicals
Ø Quick drying
Ø Crisp and resilient when wet or dry
Ø Wrinkle resistant
Ø Mildew resistant
Ø Abrasion resistant etc
Uses
Carpets, Sheets and pillow cases, Wall coverings, Upholstery, Ropes and nets
Acrylic fibers are synthetic fibers made from a polymer (Polyacrylonitrile).
Acrylic fibers are formed from wet or dry spinning of copolymers containing at least 85% acrylonitrile units. Orlon was the first acrylic fiber.
Acrylic fiber is a good moisture management ability because of its moisture transportation or wicking.
It is also used in clothing as a less expensive alternative to cashmere.
Characteristics
· It is lightweight, soft, and warm, with a wool-like feel.
· It resists shrinkage and wrinkles
· Resistant to moths, oils, chemicals, odor and mildew
· High tenacity and high strength
· Ability to attract and convey moisture
· Odor and mildew resistant
Uses
Underwear, Socks, Sweater, Sleepwear, Carpets, Blankets, Paper making, Cloth for bags, Tents
Spandex/ Elastan
Spandex, is a light weight, elastomeric, synthetic fiber in which the fiber forming substance is a long chain synthetic polymer comprised of at least 85% of a segmented polyurethane.
Du Pont used the brand name Lycra, Dorlastan by Bayer company.
Characteristics
·Stretched repeatedly and able to recover its approximate original length and shape
·99% recovery at 200% stretch
·Stretched more than 500% without breaking
·Stronger and durable
· Lightweight, soft and smooth
·Resistant to deterioration by oils, perspiration, or detergents
·Abrasion resistant
Uses
Swimsuits, Golf jackets, Disposable diaper, Bra straps and side panels, Surgical hose
References:
- Vegetable Fibers, R.H.Kirby
- Sara J. Kadolph and Anna L. Langford (2001). Textiles (9 ed.). Prentice Hall.
- Karen L. LaBat and Carol J. Salusso (2003). Classifications & Analysis of Textiles: A Handbook. University of Minnesota.
- Handbook of textile fiber‐ Gordon Cook