Fibers- What are they

Fibers are continuous filaments or distinct extended pieces, similar to lengths of thread. They are the raw material for making yarn which in turn is used to make textile. Fibers are mainly categorized on the basis of source, composition, and usage. As such, fibers are classified as

• Natural and Man made or Synthetic fibers
• Filament and Staple Fibers
• Textile, Cordage, Brush, Felt, Filling, and Plaiting fibers

Natural fibers are obtained from plants, animals and geological processes and termed as vegetable, animal and mineral fibers. The vegetable fibers include such names as Flax, Cotton, Jute, Kapok Bamboo, Ramie, Sisal, Hemp and the like. The most common animal fibers are wool and silk. The fiber like minerals such as asbestos and wollastinite are used to obtain the mineral fibers. Certain fibers like rayon, nylon etc. are made through chemical compositions. As such they are known as synthetic or man-made fibers.

There are two types of Filament fibers- Mono filaments and Multi filaments. When the fibers are in the form of single, smooth, solid strands, they are called Mono filaments. When many smaller filaments are twisted together, they form Multi filaments. Very short fibers are termed as Staple fibers.

Some fibers are more suitable for textile manufacturing so they got the name of textile fibers. Cotton, wool, rayon, nylon, flax, and silk are such textile fibers. Jute and other such rough fibers are used as baggage, sacks, cordage material. Plaiting fibers are used for braided items like hats, mats, and baskets etc.