Cellulose fiber

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Cellulose fibres (/ˈsɛljʊloʊs, -loʊz/)[1] are fibres made with ethers or esters of cellulose, which
can be obtained from the bark, wood or leaves of plants, or from other plant-based material. In
addition to cellulose, the fibers may also contain hemicellulose and lignin, with different
percentages of these components altering the mechanical properties of the fibers.
The main applications of cellulose fibres are in the textile industry, as chemical filters, and as
fibre-reinforcement composites, due to their similar properties to engineered fibers, being
another option for biocomposites and polymer composites.
The market for cellulose fibres has witnessed strong growth due to increasing demand from the
textile industry. The demand for environmentally friendly, skin friendly and bio-
degradable fabrics is a key factor driving this market.[2]

Contents

 1History

 2Cellulose structure

 3Types

o 3.1Natural cellulose fibers

o 3.2Manufactured cellulose fibers

 4Structure and properties

o 4.1Chemical composition

o 4.2Mechanical properties

 5Applications

o 5.1Composite materials

o 5.2Textile

o 5.3Filtration

 6Comparison with other fibers

  7Environmental issues

 8See also

 9References

 10External links

History[edit]
Cellulose was discovered in 1838 by the French chemist Anselme Payen, who isolated it from
plant matter and determined its chemical formula.[3] Cellulose was used to produce the first
successful thermoplastic polymer, celluloid, by Hyatt Manufacturing Company in 1870.
Production of rayon ("artificial silk") from cellulose began in the 1890s, and cellophane was
invented in 1912. In 1893, Arthur D. Little of Boston, invented yet another cellulosic product,
acetate, and developed it as a film. The first commercial textile uses for acetate in fiber form
were developed by the Celanese Company in 1924. Hermann Staudinger determined the
polymer structure of cellulose in 1920. The compound was first chemically synthesized (without
the use of any biologically derived enzymes) in 1992, by Kobayashi and Shoda.

Cellulose chains linked by hydrogen bonds

Cellulose structure[edit]
Cellulose is a polymer made of repeating glucose molecules attached end to end.[citation needed] A
cellulose molecule may be from several hundred to over 10,000 glucose units long. Cellulose is
similar in form to complex carbohydrates like starch and glycogen. These polysaccharides are
also made from multiple subunits of glucose. The difference between cellulose and other
complex carbohydrate molecules is how the glucose molecules are linked together. In addition,
cellulose is a straight chain polymer, and each cellulose molecule is long and rod-like. This
differs from starch, which is a coiled molecule. A result of these differences in structure is that,
compared to starch and other carbohydrates, cellulose cannot be broken down into its glucose
subunits by any enzymes produced by animals.

Types[edit]
Natural cellulose fibers[edit]
Natural cellulose fibers are fibers that are still recognizable as being from a part of the original
plant because they are only processed as much as needed to clean the fibers for use.[citation
needed]
For example, cotton fibers look like the soft fluffy cotton balls that they come
from. Linen fibers look like the strong fibrous strands of the flax plant. All "natural" fibers go
through a process where they are separated from the parts of the plant that are not used for the
end product, usually through harvesting, separating from chaff, scouring, etc. The presence of
linear chains of thousands of glucose units linked together allows a great deal of hydrogen
bonding between OH groups on adjacent chains, causing them to pack closely into cellulose
fibers. As a result, cellulose exhibits little interaction with water or any other solvent. Cotton and
wood, for example, are completely insoluble in water and have considerable mechanical
strength. Since cellulose does not have a helical structure like amylose, it does not bind to
iodine to form a colored product.
Manufactured cellulose fibers[edit]
Manufactured cellulose fibers come from plants that are processed into a pulp and then
extruded in the same ways that synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon are
made. Rayon or viscose is one of the most common "manufactured" cellulose fibers, and it can
be made from wood pulp.

Structure and properties[edit]

Natural fibers are composed by microfibrils of cellulose in a matrix of hemicellulose and lignin.
This type of structure, and the chemical composition of them is responsible for the mechanical
properties that can be observed. Because the natural fibers make hydrogen bonds between the
long chains, they have the necessary stiffness and strength.
Chemical composition[edit]
The major constituents of natural fibers (lignocelluloses) are
cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin and ash. The percentage of each component varies for
each different type of fiber, however, generally, are around 60-80% cellulose, 5–20% lignin, and
20% of moisture, besides hemicellulose and a small percent of residual chemical components.
The properties of the fiber change depending on the amount of each component, since the
hemicellulose is responsible for the moisture absorption, bio- and thermal degradation whereas
lignin ensures thermal stability but is responsible for the UV degradation. The chemical
composition of commons natural fibers are shown below,[4] and can change if the fibers are
a bast fiber (obtained from the bark), a core fiber (obtained from the wood), or a leaf fiber
(obtained from the leaves).

Type of fiber Cellulose (%) Lignin (%) Hemicellulose (%) Pectin (%) Ash (%)

Bast fiber Fiber flax 71 2.2 18.6 – 20.6 2.3 –

Seed flax 43–47 21–23 24–26 – 5

Kenaf 31–57 15–19 21.5–23 – 2–5

 Jute 45–71.5 12–26 13.6–21 0.2 0.5–2

Hemp 57–77 3.7–13 14–22.4 0.9 0.8

Ramie 68.6–91 0.6–0.7 5–16.7 1.9 –

Kenaf 37–49 15–21 18–24 – 2–4

Core fiber
Jute 41–48 21–24 18–22 – 0.8

Abaca 56–63 7–9 15–17 – 3

Leaf fiber Sisal 47–78 7–11 10–24 10 0.6–1

Henequen 77.6 13.1 4–8 – –

Mechanical properties[edit]
Cellulose fiber response to mechanical stresses change depending of fiber type and chemical
structure present. Information about main mechanical properties are shown in the chart below
and can be compared to properties of commonly used fibers such glass fiber, aramid fiber,
and carbon fiber.

Density Elongation Tensile strength Young's modulus

Fiber
(g/cm³) (%) (MPa) (GPa)

Cotton 1.5–1.6 3.0–10.0 287–597 5.5–12.6

Jute 1.3–1.46 1.5–1.8 393–800 10–30

Flax 1.4–1.5 1.2–3.2 345–1500 27.6–80

Hemp 1.48 1.6 550–900 70

 Ramie 1.5 2.0–3.8 220–938 44–128

Sisal 1.33–1.5 2.0–14 400–700 9.0–38.0

Coir 1.2 15.0–30.0 175–220 4.0–6.0

Softwood
1.5 – 1000 40.0
kraft

E–glass 2.5 2.5–3.0 2000–3500 70.0

S–glass 2.5 2.8 4570 86.0

Aramid 1.4 3.3–3.7 3000–3150 63.0–67.0

Carbon 1.4 1.4–1.8 4000 230.0–240.0

Applications[edit]
Composite materials[edit]

Matrix Fiber

Epoxy Abaca, bamboo, jute

Natural rubber Coir, sisal

Nitrile rubber Jute

Phenol-
Jute
formaldehyde
 Polyethylene Kenaf, pineapple, sisal, wood fiber

Polypropylene Flax, jute, kenaf, sunhemp, wheat straw, wood fiber

Polystyrene Wood

Polyurethane Wood

Polyvinyl chloride Wood

Polyester Banana, jute, pineapple, sunhemp

Styrene-butadiene Jute

Rubber Oil palm

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Composite materials are a class of material most often made by the combination of a matrix and
a fiber. This combination mixes the properties of the matrix and the fiber to create a new
material that may be stronger than the fiber alone. Recently, cellulose fibers have begun to be
used as a fiber-reinforcement material, especially in conjunction with polymers (as can be
observed in the table[5]), in biocompositesand fibre-reinforced plastic. The macroscopic
characteristics of fibers can influence the behavior of the resulting composites. Of interest are
the following physical and mechanical properties of cellulosic fibers:

 Dimensions: The relationship between length and diameter of

the fibers is a determining factor in the transfer of efforts to
matrix. Another interesting point is the irregular cross section of
plant fibers as well as their fibrillated appearance, which can
exert a positive influence on the anchoring of the fibers with the
fragile matrix.

 Void volume and water absorption: Because of the large

volume of permeable voids within the material, absorption is very
high within the first moments of immersion. As a direct
consequence, comes negative interference in relation to water,
such as the binder matrix swelling and subsequent shrinkage of
 the fiber. On the other hand, the high void volume contributes to
reduced weight, increased acoustic absorption and low thermal
conductivity the obtained components.

 Tensile strength: Similar, on average, to the polypropylene’s

fibers.

 Elastic modulus: Cellulosic fibers are classified as low modulus

determining factor for its use in building components working in
post-cracked stage, with high energy absorption and resistance
to dynamic forces.
Textile[edit]
In the textile industry regenerated cellulose is used as fibers such as rayon, (including modal,
and the more recently developed Lyocell). Cellulose fibers are manufactured from dissolving
pulp.[6] Cellulose-based fibers are of two types, regenerated or pure cellulose such as from the
cupro-ammonium process and modified cellulose such as the cellulose acetates.
The first artificial fiber, known as artificial silk, became known as viscose around 1894, and
finally rayon in 1924. A similar product known as cellulose acetate was discovered in 1865.
Rayon and acetate are both artificial fibers, but not truly synthetic, being made from wood.
Although these artificial fibers were discovered in the mid-nineteenth century, successful
modern manufacture began much later.
Filtration[edit]
The cellulose fibers in filtration/filter aid applications can provide a protective layer to filter
elements as powdered cellulose, besides promoting improved throughput and clarity.[citation needed] As
ashless and non-abrasive filtration, make cleanup effortless after the filtering process without
damage in pumps or valves. They effectively filter metallic impurities and absorb up to 100% of
emulsified oil and boiler condensates. In general, cellulose fibers in filtration applications can
greatly improve filtration performance when used as a primary or remedial precoat in the
following ways:

 Bridging gaps in the filter septum and small mechanical leaks in

the gaskets and leaf seats

 Improving the stability of the filter-aid cake to make it more

resistant to pressure bumps and interruptions

 Creating a more uniform precoat with no cracks for more

effective filtration surface area

 Improving cake release and reducing cleaning requirements

 Preventing fine particulate bleed-through

 Precoating easily and rapidly and reducing soluble contamination

Comparison with other fibers[edit]

In comparison with engineered fibers, cellulose fibers have important advantages as low
density, low cost, they can be recyclable, and are biodegradable.[7] Due to its advantages
cellulose fibers can be used as a substituent for glass fibers in composites materials.

Environmental issues[edit]
What is often marketed as "bamboo fiber" is actually not the fibers that grow in their natural form
from the bamboo plants, but instead a highly processed bamboo pulp that is extruded as fibers.
[6]
Although the process is not as environmentally friendly as "bamboo fiber" appears, planting &
harvesting bamboo for fiber is much more sustainable and environmentally friendly than
harvesting more slow growing trees and clearing existing forest habitats for timber plantations.

See also[edit]
 Fiber modification

References[edit]
1. Jump up^ "Cellulose Fibre - definition of cellulose fibre in the Free
Online Enciclopedy". The Free Online Dictionary.
Retrieved December 7, 2014.

2. Jump up^ Cellulose Fibers Market Analysis and Growth Forecasts

3. Jump up^ Cellulose : molecular and structural biology : selected

articles on the synthesis, structure, and applications of cellulose.
Brown, R. Malcolm (Richard Malcolm), 1939-, Saxena, I. M. (Inder
M.). Dordrecht: Springer.
2007. ISBN 9781402053801. OCLC 187314758.

4. Jump up^ Xue, L. G.; Tabil, L.; Panigrahi, S. (2007). "Chemical

Treatments of Natural Fiber for Use in Natural Fiber-Reinforced
Composites: A Review". Journal of Polymers and the
Environment. 15 (1): 25–33. doi:10.1007/s10924-006-0042-3.

5. Jump up^ Saheb, D. N.; Jog, J. P. (1991). "Natural fiber polymer

composites: A review". Advances in Polymer Technology. 18 (4):
351–363. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1098-2329(199924)18:4 (inactive
2018-07-04).

6. ^ Jump up to:a b 1971-, Fletcher, Kate, (2008). Sustainable fashion

and textiles design journeys. London:
Earthscan. ISBN 9781849772778. OCLC 186246363.

7. Jump up^ Mohanty, A. K.; Misra, M.; Hinrichsen, G. (2000).

"Biofibres, biodegradable polymers and biocomposites: An
overview". Macromolecular Materials and Engineering. 276-277
(1): 1–24. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1439-2054(20000301)276:1<1::AID-
MAME1>3.0.CO;2-W.
 External links[edit]
 Dissolving of Cellulosics

hide

Fibers

Abacá
Bagasse
Bamboo
Coir
Cotton
Fique
Flax
Linen
Hemp
Jute
Kapok
Kenaf
Piña
Pine
Raffia
Ramie
Rattan
Sisal
Wood

Alpaca
Angora
Byssus
Camel hair
Cashmere
Catgut
Chiengora
Guanaco
Hair
Llama
Mohair
Pashmina
Qiviut
Rabbit
Silk
Tendon
Spider silk
Wool
Vicuña
Yak

Asbestos

Art silk

Acetate
Diacetate
Lyocell
Modal
Rayon
Triacetate

Glass
Carbon
Mineral Tenax
Basalt
Metallic

Polymer Acrylic
Aramid
Twaron
Kevlar
Technora
Nomex
 Microfiber
Modacrylic
Nylon
Olefin
Polyester
Polyethylene
Dyneema
Spectra
Spandex
Vinylon
Vinyon
Zylon

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Synthetic fiber
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigationJump to search
Synthetic fibers (British English: synthetic fibres) are fibers made by humans with chemical
synthesis, as opposed to natural fibers that humans get from living organisms with little or no
chemical changes. They are the result of extensive research by scientists to improve on naturally
occurring animal fibers and plant fibers. In general, synthetic fibers are created by extruding fiber-
forming materials through spinnerets into air and water, forming a thread. These fibers are called
synthetic or artificial fibers. Some fibers are manufactured from plant-derived cellulose and are
thus semisynthetic, whereas others are totally synthetic, being made from crudes and intermediates
including petroleum, coal, limestone and water.
 Contents

 1Early experiments

 2Commercial products

 3Description

 4Advantages

 5Disadvantages

 6Common synthetic fibers

 7See also

 8References

 9Further reading

Early experiments[edit]

Joseph Swan created the first synthetic fiber.

Joseph Swan invented the first artificial fiber in the early 1880s;[1] today it would be called
semisynthetic in precise usage. His fiber was drawn from a cellulose liquid, formed by chemically
modifying the fiber contained in tree bark. The synthetic fiber produced through this process was
chemically similar in its potential applications to the carbon filament Swan had developed for
his incandescent light bulb, but Swan soon realized the potential of the fiber to revolutionise textile
manufacturing. In 1885, he unveiled fabrics he had manufactured from his synthetic material at
the International Inventions Exhibition in London.[2]
The next step was taken by Hilaire de Chardonnet, a French engineer and industrialist, who invented
the first artificial silk, which he called "Chardonnet silk". In the late 1870s, Chardonnet was working
with Louis Pasteur on a remedy to the epidemic that was destroying French silkworms. Failure to
clean up a spill in the darkroom resulted in Chardonnet's discovery of nitrocellulose as a potential
replacement for real silk. Realizing the value of such a discovery, Chardonnet began to develop his
new product,[3] which he displayed at the Paris Exhibition of 1889.[4]Unfortunately, Chardonnet's
material was extremely flammable, and was subsequently replaced with other, more stable
materials.

Commercial products[edit]
[[File:Wallace Carothers, in the lab.jpg|thumb|160px|Nylon was first synthesized by Wallace
Carothers at [DuPont].] The first successful process was developed in 1894 by English
chemist Charles Frederick Cross, and his collaborators Edward John Bevan and Clayton Beadle.
They named the fiber "viscose", because the reaction product of carbon disulfide and cellulose in
basic conditions gave a highly viscous solution of xanthate.[5]The first commercial viscose rayon was
produced by the UK company Courtaulds Fibers in 1905. The name "rayon" was adopted in 1924,
with "viscose" being used for the viscous organic liquid used to make both rayon and cellophane. A
similar product known as cellulose acetate was discovered in 1865. Rayon and acetate are both
artificial fibers, but not truly synthetic, being made from wood.[6]
Nylon, the first synthetic fiber in the "fully synthetic" sense of that term, was developed by Wallace
Carothers, an American researcher at the chemical firm DuPont in the 1930s. It soon made its debut
in the United States as a replacement for silk, just in time for the introduction of rationing
during World War II. Its novel use as a material for women's stockingsovershadowed more practical
uses, such as a replacement for the silk in parachutes and other military uses like ropes.
The first polyester fiber was introduced by John Rex Whinfield and James Tennant Dickson,[7]
[8]
British chemists working at the Calico Printers' Association, in 1941. They produced and patented
the first polyester fiber which they named Terylene, also known as Dacron, equal to or
surpassing nylon in toughness and resilience.[9] ICI and DuPont went on to produce their own
versions of the fiber.
The world production of synthetic fibers was 55.2 million tonnes in 2014. [10]

Description[edit]
Synthetic fibers are made from synthesized polymers of small molecules. The compounds that are
used to make these fibers come from raw materials such as petroleum based chemicals or
petrochemicals. These materials are polymerized into a long, linear chemical that bond two adjacent
carbon atoms. Differing chemical compounds will be used to produce different types of synthetic
fibers.
Synthetic fibers account for about half of all fiber usage, with applications in every field of fiber and
textile technology. Although many classes of fiber based on synthetic polymers have been evaluated
as potentially valuable commercial products, four of them - nylon, polyester, acrylic and polyolefin -
dominate the market. These four account for approximately 98 percent by volume of synthetic fiber
production, with polyester alone accounting for around 60 per cent.[11]
There are several methods of manufacturing synthetic fibers but the most common is the Melt-
Spinning Process. It involves heating the fiber until it begins to melt, then you must draw out the melt
with tweezers as quickly as possible. The next step would be to draw the molecules by aligning them
in a parallel arrangement. This brings the fibers closer together and allows them to crystallize and
orient. Lastly, is Heat-Setting. This utilizes heat to permeate the shape/dimensions of the fabrics
made from heat-sensitive fibers.[citation needed]

Advantages[edit]
Synthetic fibers are more durable than most natural fibers and will readily pick-up different dyes. In
addition, many synthetic fibers offer consumer-friendly functions such as stretching, waterproofing
and stain resistance. Sunlight, moisture, and oils from human skin cause all fibers to break down
and wear away. Natural fibers tend to be much more sensitive than synthetic blends. This is mainly
because natural products are biodegradable. Natural fibers are susceptible to larval insect
infestation; synthetic fibers are not a good food source for fabric-damaging insects. [citation needed]
Compared to natural fibers, many synthetic fibers are more water resistant and stain resistant. Some
are even specially enhanced to withstand damage from water or stains. Some fabrics are also
designed to stretch in specific ways, which makes them more comfortable to wear.
Cotton production is resource intensive: it takes significant amounts of water to farm cotton. Wool
producing sheep also need water and grazing land in order to survive. Thus it is claimed by some
that although synthetic fiber production does involve some carbon emissions, the environmental
footprint of many fibers is much lower.[citation needed]

Disadvantages[edit]

A device for spinning Viscose Rayon dating from 1901

Most of synthetic fibers' disadvantages are related to their low melting temperature:

 Synthetic fibers do not burn more readily than natural.

 Prone to heat damage. Melt relatively easily.

 Prone to damage by hot washing.

 More electrostatic charge is generated by rubbing than with natural fibers.

 Not skin friendly, so it is uncomfortable for long wearing. [citation needed]

 Allergenic to some people.

 Non-biodegradable in comparison to natural fibers.[citation needed]

Common synthetic fibers[edit]

Common synthetic fibers include:

 Nylon (1931)
 Modacrylic (1949)

 Olefin (1949)

 Acrylic (1950)

 Polyester (1953)
Specialty synthetic fibers include:

 Rayon (1894) artificial silk

 Vinyon (1939)

 Saran (1941)

 Spandex (1959)

 Vinalon (1939)

 Aramids (1961) - known as Nomex, Kevlar and Twaron

 Modal (1960's)

 Dyneema/Spectra (1979)

 PBI (Polybenzimidazole fiber) (1983)

 Sulfar (1983)

 Lyocell (1992) (artificial, not synthetic)

 PLA (2002)

 M-5 (PIPD fiber)

 Orlon

 Zylon (PBO fiber)

 Vectran (TLCP fiber) made from Vectra LCP polymer

 Derclon used in manufacture of rugs

[citation needed]

Other synthetic materials used in fibers include:

 Acrylonitrile rubber (1930)

Modern fibers that are made from older artificial materials include:
 Glass fiber (1938) is used for:

 industrial, automotive, and home insulation (glass wool)

 reinforcement of composite materials (glass-reinforced plastic, glass fiber reinforced

concrete)

 specialty papers in battery separators and filtration

 Metallic fiber (1946) is used for:

 adding metallic properties to clothing for the purpose of fashion (usually made with
composite plastic and metal foils)

 elimination and prevention of static charge build-up

 conducting electricity to transmit information

 conduction of heat[citation needed]

See also[edit]
 Artificial turf

 Elasterell

 Fiber rope

 Delustrant

References[edit]
1. Jump up^ "Sir Joseph Wilson Swan". Encyclopædia Britannica. Archived from the
original on 7 May 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2015.

2. Jump up^ How It Works: Science and Technology. Marshall Cavendish Corporation.
2003. p. 851. ISBN 9780761473145. Archived from the original on 19 March 2017.

3. Jump up^ Garrett, Alfred (1963). The Flash of Genius. Princeton, New Jersey: D. Van
Nostrand Company, Inc. pp. 48–49.

4. Jump up^ Editors, Time-Life (1991). Inventive Genius. New York: Time-Life Books.
p. 52. ISBN 978-0-8094-7699-2.

5. Jump up^ Day, Lance; Ian McNeil (1998). Biographical Dictionary of the History of
Technology. Taylor & Francis. p. 113. ISBN 978-0415193993.
 6. Jump up^ Woodings, Calvin R. "A Brief History of Regenerated Cellulosic fibers".
WOODINGS CONSULTING LTD. Archived from the original on 22 April 2012. Retrieved 26
May 2012.

7. Jump up^ "World of Chemistry". Thomson Gale. 2005. Archived from the original on 28
October 2009. Retrieved 1 November 2009.

8. Jump up^ Allen, P (1967). "Obituary". Chemistry in Britain.

9. Jump up^ Frank Greenaway, ‘Whinfield, John Rex (1901–1966)’, rev. Oxford Dictionary
of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 accessed 20 June 2011

10. Jump up^ Man-Made Fibers Continue To Grow Archived 28 April 2016 at the Wayback
Machine., Textile World

11. Jump up^ J E McIntyre, Professor Emeritus of Textile Industries, University of Leeds, UK
(ed.). Synthetic fibers: Nylon, polyester, acrylic, polyolefin. Woodhead Publishing - Series in
Textiles. 36. Cambridge. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011.

Further reading[edit]
 The original source of this article and much of the synthetic fiber articles (copied with
permission) is Whole Earth magazine, No. 90, Summer 1997. www.wholeearth.com

hide

Fibers

Abacá
Bagasse
Bamboo
Coir
Cotton
Fique
Flax
Linen
Hemp
Jute
Kapok
Kenaf
Piña
Pine
Raffia
Ramie
Rattan
Sisal
Wood

Alpaca
Angora
Byssus
Camel hair
Cashmere
Catgut
Chiengora
Guanaco
Hair
Llama
Mohair
Pashmina
Qiviut
Rabbit
Silk
Tendon
Spider silk
Wool
Vicuña
Yak

Asbestos

Art silk

Acetate
Diacetate
Lyocell
Modal
Rayon
 Triacetate

Glass
Carbon
Mineral Tenax
Basalt
Metallic

Acrylic
Aramid
Twaron
Kevlar
Technora
Nomex
Microfiber
Modacrylic
Nylon
Polymer
Olefin
Polyester
Polyethylene
Dyneema
Spectra
Spandex
Vinylon
Vinyon
Zylon

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 Commons

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 The advantages and disadvantages of chemical fiber fabrics and the
development course
Release date：[2017/6/9] Total access[921]Secondary
In our country, I'm afraid that no one agrees that synthetic fabrics are superior to natural fabrics.
But in the developed world, the opposite is true: most consumers believe that synthetic fabrics
are superior in comfort, functionality, and high sensibility. Comfort: from emulation to super
synthetic fiber has three advantages in the early stages of development:
One is sturdy and durable;
The second is easy to handle, have anti-wrinkle and avoid hot feature;
Third, it is possible to make large-scale industrial production, unlike natural fibre, which takes up
land, takes time and energy, and produces a limited amount of production. But these traditional
advantages of chemical fibre are no longer "beautiful".
One is that people are now dressed in comfort and in vogue, and as the concept of consumption
changes, the strong and durable of synthetic fibers becomes useless.
Secondly, as the development of textile technology, the natural fibers can be arranged in a way
that can be easily managed.
Third, people have realized that the chemical fibre industry, which relies on oil resources, will
face a "kill" one day. When the traditional advantage is no longer, the moisture absorption
difference, the comfort difference, the feeling of feeling and so on are highlighted.

Therefore, from the comfort of natural fiber, the natural fiber is the "blueprint", the synthetic fiber
is simulated and modified, and becomes the driving force for the progress of chemical fiber
technology. The most typical example is the progress of polyester fake silk technology. At first,
the technicians imitate the triangulation of the silk and the cilium of the silk to make the
polyester yarns, and the woven fabrics are not like real silk because of the auroras.

Then, through the use of flatting agent, and invented the "alkali deweighting method" surface
processing of polyester yarn, polyester silk imitation silk from appearance and very similar to
pure silk. Then, by adopting a superfine fiber technology, science and technology personnel and
make polyester emulation silk fabric handle and pure silk is consistent, and by using plasma
technology and laser technology, the polyester fabric in friction can also send out "chirp" silk like
silk. At this point, the technique of polyester imitated silk has evolved over several generations
and finally reached the perfect degree. But science and technology personnel did not meet,
polyester development from simulation to super true emulation silk technology, through the
formation of the fiber surface groove, the chemical fiber hygroscopicity is better than natural
fibers; By adopting the method of copolymerization, the moisture absorption of polyester fiber
itself has been increased hundreds of times, even more than natural fibers such as cotton and
silk.

So, the look and feel is exactly like the real silk, but the comfort, the easy to reason and the
dyeing are all over the fabric of the real silk. In Japan, the kimono, made of ultra-artificial
synthetic fibre, costs far more than the real silk kimono. Functional: the new advantages of
chemical fiber are found in the long course of development, but there are only a few or a dozen
natural fibers that are found and truly utilized. And when humans entered the chemical fibre age,
in a short span of a hundred years, there were hundreds of new varieties of synthetic fiber.
Chemical fiber, as a synthetic polymer, can be designed to be functional during production. For
example, adding antimicrobial agents to make them antibacterial. Add mineral micropowder to
make it low-radiation or far-infrared radiation. This is easier, more economical, and more
effective than transforming natural fibres.

In addition to in the design and production can be more convenient to bring new features,
chemical fiber characteristics constitute the characteristics of high polymer chemical fiber itself
and also an element of functionality. Acrylic macromolecular structure is very stable, for
example, have the ability of resistance to ultraviolet radiation, add acrylic used cationic dyeing,
color not only bright, but also fast high fastness, so people use acrylic fabric as a sunshade
products, give full play to the functionality and practicality. Also, the wear resistance of nylon
make it widely used in sportswear, para aramid fiber strength to make it for landing, chlorofibre
and different high temperature resistant properties of aramid matchups that they are widely
used as flame retardant products. High sensibility: the individuation direction of chemical fiber is
basically, natural fiber is the product of natural selection of natural natural resources, so it has
the property of comprehensive and comprehensive. If from all aspects of a fiber to
comprehensive evaluation, is not a natural fiber, chemical fiber can match but from local index
assessment, many varieties of chemical fibre performance is more than the natural fiber.

As people's living standards have improved, the demand for textile consumption has changed.
The industry often says that comfort is a combination of a set of specific technical indicators.
Such as touch, including the softness of textile, suspension, press contact, thermal contact, cold
contact, etc. With the development of the textile materials science, the technical index of the
fibers are required more and more careful, such as related to the intensity of the fibers are
elastic modulus, elastic deformation, elastic deformation, tensile strength, shear strength, tensile
strength and a series of technical indicators. Study found that if change the chemical fiber,
degree of polymerization, orientation degree and molecular weight of the chemical fiber length,
cross section shape and the size, you can change the physical and chemical properties of fiber,
so the so-called differentiation of chemical fiber can stand out, become the development
direction of chemical fiber.

Clearing installation character in Japan for the change of the textile consumption market, called
differential fibre of high perceptual fiber and in fact is to produce a series of design, the local has
prominent advantages of chemical fiber, again through the modern textile processing
technology, the performance of different chemical complement each other, producing a variety
of comprehensive performance than natural fiber textiles. The development of Japanese
chemical fiber industry has been recognized by consumers around the world, so the differential
rate of Japanese chemical fiber products has been above 40%.
The classification of synthetic fabrics
Chemical fibre is a fibre made from natural or artificial high polymer materials. One, the
chemical fiber can be divided according to the source of raw material, cent is the regeneration
fiber and the synthetic fiber etc.
(a) the production of renewable fiber regeneration is inspired by the silkworm silk, cellulose and
protein natural high molecular compound as a raw material, such as chemical processing made
of polymer solution, then through spinning and aftertreatment of textile fibers. Recycled fiber
mesh fabric with reclaimed fiber mesh fabric
S 1. The regenerated cellulose fiber Using natural cellulose as raw material of regenerated fiber,
because of its chemical composition and natural cellulose and physical structure has changed,
and the same so called regenerated cellulose fiber. The viscose fiber is made from natural
cotton lint and wood, which has several outstanding advantages.
(1) the hand feels soft and shiny, and the viscose fibers are as soft as cotton fibers and silky as
smooth.
(2) the hygroscopicity, permeability is good, the same basic chemical composition of viscose
fiber and cotton fiber, as a result, some of its performance and cotton fiber, the difference is its
hygroscopicity and air permeability is better than cotton fiber, it is all in the chemical fiber
moisture absorption and permeability is one of the best. (3) the dyeing performance is good,
because of the viscose fiber moisture absorption is stronger, so is easier than cotton viscose
fiber coloring, color pure and gorgeous, chromatography is the most complete. The biggest
drawback of viscose fiber is that the wet fastness is poor, the elasticity is poor, the fabric is
easily wrinkled and not easy to recover. Acid resistant and alkaline is inferior to cotton fiber.

It is commonly known as tiger kapok and strong artificial cotton. It's a modified viscose fiber.
Strong fiber is compared with common viscose fiber (that is, man-made cotton, artificial wool,
rayon), there are several main characteristics:
(1) strong strength, that is to say, fiber fabric is stronger than viscose fabric.
(2) the shrinkage ratio is small, and the shrinkage ratio of strong and strong fiber is 1 times
smaller than the viscose fiber. Strong and strong fibre strong fiber is good, use strong and
strong fiber to make the clothes that make is compared board whole, the wrinkle resistance is
better than viscose. (4) good alkali resistance, with rich and strong alkali resistance of fiber is
better than viscose fiber, so rich and strong fabric in the choice of soap and detergent in the
washing is not as strict as viscose fiber.

(2) synthetic fibres

Synthetic fibres are made from synthetic polymers, which are commonly used in synthetic fibers
such as polyester, polyamide, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride, vinene and spandex.
It is called polyethylene terephthalate, or polyester. Polyester is the name of commodity, abroad
have said "dacron," "nylon", "emperor nylon", etc Polyester as reactants, excellent performance,
widely used, is developing very rapidly, now has the production of chemical fiber in the first
place. The biggest characteristic of li su's synthetic fiber, li su, is that it is more elastic than any
fibre. The strength and wear resistance is better, the fabric that is woven by it is not only three to
four times stronger than other fibers, but also clean, not easy to deform, there is "avoid hot"
beautiful name; Polyester is also more heat-resistant. Good chemical stability, under normal
temperature, will not interact with weak acid, weak base and oxidizer. The drawback is that it is
very wet, and it is worn by the fabric of its fabric. In addition, due to the smooth surface of the
fiber, the tension between the fibers is poor, and the frictions can easily be caused by friction.
This is the name of our country. It is called polyamide fibre. There are many different kinds of
poly-66, poly-1010, polyamide, etc. "Nylon", "nylon", "nylon", "kapon", "amilon", etc. Polyamide
is the world's earliest synthetic fibre variety, with excellent performance and abundant raw
materials, so it has been the highest production of synthetic fiber. It was not until 1970 that the
rapid development of polyester fibers was the second most common form of synthetic fiber. The
main feature of the polyamide is that it is strong and durable, and it has the highest strength and
wearability of all fibers. The weakness of the nylon is the same as the polyester, which is both
hygroscopic and permeable. In a dry environment, polyamide produces static electricity, and
short fabrics are also prone to pilling and pilling. Polyamide fiber heat resistance, light fastness
is not good enough, ironing temperature should be controlled under 140 ℃. In addition, the
conformal sex difference of the polyamide, the dress that USES it is not as good as polyester,
easy to transform. But it can be attached to it, it's a good material for making all kinds of shapes.
It is the name of the domestic product. Its name is polyacrylonitrile fibre. Abroad, also known as
"orlon", "cotter", "deraron" and so on. The appearance of the acrylic with a white, crimp, fluffy,
soft, woolly, more used to and wool blended or as a substitute for wool, so it is also known as
"synthetic wool". The absorption of acrylic solids is not good, but it is better than wool and silk.
Its wear resistance is poor in synthetic fibers, acrylic fibers of ironing temperature under 130 ℃.
The name of the polyvinyl alcohol is polyvinyl alcohol. Foreign countries also called "vinylon",
"vinar" and so on. Wiron, as white as snow and as soft as cotton, is often used as a substitute
for natural cotton, known as synthetic cotton. The wetness performance of wiron is the best in
synthetic fiber. In addition, the wearability, light resistance and corrosion resistance of veron are
better.
The name of this is polyvinyl chloride fibre. Foreign countries have "the dragon", "rovel". The
advantages of PVC are more, and they are highly resistant to chemical resistance. Thermal
conductivity is worse than wool, so heat insulation is strong. Electrical insulation is high and
difficult to fire. In addition, it also has a prominent advantage, with its woven underwear that can
treat rheumatoid arthritis or other pain, without irritability or injury to the skin. The defect of
chloron is also more prominent, namely heat resistance is extremely poor.
The name of this is polyurethane elastic fiber, which is also known as "laker" and "spanzier". It is
a particularly flexible chemical fiber that is now industrialized and is the fastest growing elastic
fiber. Spandex is excellent. The strength is two to three times as strong as the latex filament,
and the line density is thinner and more resistant to chemical degradation. It is good for the acid
alkali, sweat, water, dry cleaning and abrasion resistance. The fibres are not used alone, but in
small quantities, such as in the fabric of other fibres or made into a core-spun yarn that is used
to weave elastic fabrics.

It is divided into filament, short fiber, foreign fibers, composite fibers and textured wires.
(1) filament: fiber that is not cut off in chemical fiber processing. The filament is divided into
monofilament and multifilament. Single silk: only one filament, transparent, even, thin. Complex
silk: a few pieces of monofilament and synthetic filaments.
(2) staple fiber: chemical fiber can be cut into various lengths of fibre in the process of spinning.
(3) heteromorphic fibers: different cross-sectional or hollow fibers that are made from the shape
of a spinneret.
Change the elasticity of the fibers, the ability to combine and cover, increase the surface area,
and enhance the reflection of the light.
Special burnish. Like the five-leaf shape and the triangle.
Light, light, warm and wet. Such as hollow.
Reduce static electricity.
It improves the friction coefficient of fiber and improves the feeling of the hand.
(4) composite fibre: two or more polymers, respectively, in the form of the melt or solution enter
the same spinneret, spewing from the same nozzle hole formed by fiber. It's also called a
bicomponent or multi-component fiber. Compound fiber generally has three-dimensional curl of
3 dimensional space, the volume is high and loose, the elasticity is good, embrace good, cover
ability is good. Features are:
The structure is uneven.
The composition is not uniform.
The expansion is uneven.
(5) textured yarn: modified spun yarn or synthetic fiber filament.
1, high elastic polyester yarns: the elongation rate of 50 ~ 300%, using the thermoplastic
processing of synthetic fibers.
Low stretch polyester: the elongation rate is below 35%.
And acrylic bulky yarn; Use the thermal elasticity of acrylic. Hot stretch - high shrinkage,
shrinkage can reach 45 ~ 53%, with low shrinkage fiber blended spinning, through steam
treatment.

They are divided into ordinary fibers and special fibers.

(1) common fibers: regenerated fibers and synthetic fibres.
Special fiber: high temperature resistant fiber, high strength fiber, high modulus fiber, and
radiation resistant fiber. Hu ɑ xue xi ɑ chemical fibre can be divided into: (1) artificial fiber, was
prepared from natural high polymer material (such as cellulose, etc.) as raw materials, such as
viscose fiber;
Synthetic fiber, which is made from synthetic polymers, polyester, etc.
The inorganic fibers, which are made of inorganic materials, have fiberglass and so on.

Since the first artificial silk was pulled out in the 18th century, there has been a great deal of
progress in the variety of chemical fibers, fiber and spinning techniques. The preparation of
chemical fiber, usually the first made from natural or synthetic polymer or inorganic spinning
melt or solution, and then filtered, metrology, the spinneret (board) extrusion to trickle, liquid and
then frozen fibers. The fibers are called primary fibers. Its mechanical properties are so poor
that it cannot be applied directly, and must be processed through a series of post-processing
processes to meet the requirements of textile processing and usage. The post-processing is
mainly to stretch and heat the fibers to improve the mechanical properties and dimensional
stability of the fibers. Stretching is the way in which large molecules or structural units of primary
fibers are aligned along the fibre axis. The heat set is mainly the relaxation of internal stress in
 the fibers. The post-processing of wet spinning also includes washing, oil and drying. When
spinning a filament, the process can be wound into a cylinder. Spinning, cutting, and packaging
must be added when spinning short fibers.

The types of chemical fiber synthetic fiber China is the birthplace of rearing silkworm silk, not
only from the historical records about artificial fiber's earliest countries (see history of China
chemical fiber production). The main varieties of synthetic fibres are: the viscose fibers, and in
1848 j. mersey discovered that the chemical reaction was increased after the cellulose was
impregnated with lye. After that, the British, c. cross and e. bevin, were made with disulfide
carbon and alkali fibers

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The usefulness or otherwise of a synthetic material depends upon the
following properties.

 Tensile strength:
 Action of water:
 Action of heat and flame:
 Thermal conductivity:
 Electrical conductivity:

 Properties of Protein Fibres

 Abu Sayed Basics 1 comment
 Natural protein fibres are of animal origin. These are those fibres in which the
fundamental chemical structure is composed of amino-acids joined in poly
peptide chain. All protein fibres comprise the elements, carbon, hydrogen,
oxygen, and nitrogen. Wool comprises sulphur as well. In each protein fibre
these elements are combined in diverse arrangements. As a result properties of
the various protein fibres may show some striking differences.



 However, these share so many of common properties –
 Strength: Except silk, tend to be weaker than cellulose fibres and they are
weaker when wet than dry. Therefore they have to be handled attentively. During
washing wool looses 40% of its strength.
 Density and specific gravity: Their density and specific gravity tend to be lower
than that of cellulose. Fabrics made from these strands are felt lighter in weight
than comparable fabrics made from cellulose.
 Resiliency: These strands have greater resiliency than cellulosic. They are more
resistant to wrinkling and hold their shape.
 Thermo chemical properties: These strands do not burn easily. When set a
flame they may extinguish themselves. Burned strands smell like burning hair,
flesh or feathers. They form a black crushable ash.
 Heat resistant properties: These strands tend to be destroyed by dry heat.
Wool becomes harsh, brittle and scorches readily with dry heat. It should be
ironed as in the case of silk, with a press cloth or steam. White silk and wool turn
 yellow. They need lower ironing temperature than cotton and linen, with
recommended temperatures around 5000F.
 Hydroscopic nature: These strands have excellent moisture absorbency and
they absorb extra moisture at the saturation point.
 Therefore they are easy in wet damp climate though they tend to be warmer than
cellulose fibres. Moisture prohibits brittleness in carpets.
 Static electricity: They are poor conductors and hence build up static charge, so
the resulting yarns and fabrics tend to be release much static electricity, although
this problem is subsided in presence of moisture.
 Alkali: Natural protein strands have poor resistance to alkalis and can be
dissolved in 5% solution of NaOH at low boiling point. When washing neutral or
little alkaline soap or detergent should be utilized. Perspiration weakens the
strands.
 Bleaching: Chlorine bleaches destroy fibre and therefore should not be used.
Fabrics can be bleached safety with hydrogen peroxide.
 Sunlight: Sunlight discolors fabrics made from protein fibres, turning yellow after
extended exposure. Although wool has better resistance to sunlight than cotton, it
will degrade prolonged exposure to sunlight.


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 Natural Cellulose Fibers – natures own fibers

Natural Cellulose Fibers – natures

own fibers
Cellulose is a fibrous material of plant origin and the basis of all natural and man-
made cellulosic fibers. The natural cellulosic fibers include cotton, flax, hemp, jute,
and ramie. Cellulose is a polymeric sugar polysaccharide) made up of repeating 1,4-
8-an hydro glucose units connected to each other by 8-ether linkages. Strong
intermolecular forces between chains, coupled with the high linearity of the cellulose
molecule, account for the crystalline nature of cellulosic fibres.
FIBERNATURAL FIBER
By Textile School Last updated Mar 27, 2018

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Cellulosic Fibers

The natural fibers are vegetable, animal, or mineral in origin. Vegetable fibers,
as the name implies, are derived from plants. The principal chemical
component in plants is cellulose, and therefore they are also referred to as
cellulosic fibers.

The fibers are usually bound by a natural phenolic polymer, lignin, which also
is frequently present in the cell wall of the fiber; thus vegetable fibers are also
often referred to as lignocellulosic fibers, except for cotton, which does
not contain lignin.

Cellulose is a fibrous material of plant Origin and the basis of all natural and
man-made cellulosic fibers. The natural cellulosic fibers include cotton, flax,
hemp, jute, and ramie. The major man-made cellulosic fiber is rayon, a fiber
produced by regeneration of dissolved forms of cellulose.

Cellulose is a polymeric sugar (polysaccharide) made up of repeating 1,4-8-an

hydro glucose units connected to each other by 8-ether linkages.

RELATED POSTS

Types of textile fibers – list of…

Characteristics of Rayon Fiber

Basics of Rayon Fiber

Wool fiber – Basics, Characteristics,…

The long 1inear chains of cellulose permit the hydroxyl functional groups on
each anhydrous glucose unit to interact with hydroxyl groups on adjacent
chains through hydrogen bonding and van der Waal s forces. These strong
intermolecular forces between chains, coupled with the high linearity of the
cellulose molecule, account for the crystalline nature of cellulosic fibers.

Seed Fibers
Cotton is the most commonly used natural cellulosic fiber. C
from the seeds in the boll (seedpod). Each boll contains seven
and each seed may have up to 20,000 fibers growing from it.

Coir is from the fibrous mass between the outer shell and hus
is a stiff fiber. It is usually used to make highly durable indoo
mats, rugs, and tiles.

Kapok fiber is from the seed of the Java or Indian kapok tree
soft, lightweight, and hollow. It breaks down easily and it is
into yarns. It is used as fiberfill and as the stuffing for pillows
used as a stuffing for lifejackets and the mattresses on cruise
very buoyant.

Milkweed has properties similar to those of kapok.

Bast Fibers
Flax is one of the oldest textile fibers, but its use has declined since the invention of power spinning fo
fabric is linen, although the word linen is now often used to refer to table, bed, and bath fabrics made fr
materials

Ramie fibers are 4 to 6 inches long. The fibers are whiter and softer than flax. Ramie does not retain dy
is dry-cleaned. Ramie is strong for a natural fiber, but it lacks resiliency, elasticity, and elongation poten
to mildew, insects, and shrinkage. It is used for apparel, window treatments, ropes, paper, and table and

Hemp is similar to flax. The fibers range in length from 3 to 15 feet. Hemp production is illegal in the U
low environmental impact; it does not require pesticides. It produces 250% more fiber than cotton and 6
than flax on the same amount of land. Hemp plants can be used to extract zinc and mercury pollutants f
is used for ropes, apparel, and paper. Potheads are willing to pay inflated prices for hemp apparel becau
the marijuana plant

Jute is one of the cheapest textile fibers, and one of the weakest cellulosic fibers. Jute has poor elasticit
sunlight resistance, mildew resistance, and colorfastness. It is used to produce sugar and coffee bagging
rope, and wall coverings. Burlap is made from jute.

Leaf Fibers
Piña fibers are from the leaves of the pineapple plant. It is used to make lightweight, sheer, stiff fabrics
bags, and table linens. It is also used to make mats.

Abaca is from a member of the banana tree family. The fibers are coarse and very long (up to 15 feet).
durable, and flexible fiber used for ropes, floor mats, table linens, apparel, and wicker furniture.
Classification of Vegetable Fibers
 Vegetable fibers are classified according to their source in plants as
follows:
(1) the bast or stem fibers, which form the fibrous bundles in the inner
bark (phloem or bast) of the plant stems, are often referred to as soft
fibers for textile use;

 (2) the leaf fibers, which run lengthwise through the leaves of
monocotyledonous plants, are also referred to as hard fibers; and

 (3) the seed-hair fibers, the source of cotton, which is the most
important vegetable fiber. There are >250,000 species of higher
plants; however, only a very limited number of species have been
exploited for commercial uses (<0.1%).

The fibers in bast and leaf fiber plants are integral to the plant structure,
providing strength and support. In bast fiber plants, the fibers are next to the
outer bark in the bast or phloem and serve to strengthen the stems of these
reed-like plants.

The fibers are in strands running the length of the stem or between joints. To
separate the strands, the natural gum binding them must be removed. This
operation is called retting (controlled rotting).

For most uses, particularly for textiles, this long composite-type strand fiber is
used directly; however, when such fiber strands are pulped by chemical means
the strand is broken down into much shorter and finer fibers, the ultimate
fibers.
The long leaf-fibers contribute strength to the leaves of certain
nonwoody, monocotyledonous plants. They extend longitudinally the full
length of the leaf and are buried in tissues of a parenchymatous nature. The
fibers found nearest the leaf surface are the strongest.

The fibers are separated from the pulp tissue by scraping because there is
little bonding between fiber and pulp; this operation is called decortication.
Leaf fiber strands are also multicelled in structure.

Ancient humans used cordage in fishing, trapping, and transport, and

in fabrics for clothing. Rope and cord making started in Paleolithic times,
as seen in cave drawings. Rope, cords, and fabrics were made from reeds and
grasses in ancient Egypt (400 BC). Ropes, boats, sails, and mats were made
from palm leaf fibers and papyrus stalks and writing surfaces, known as
papyrus, from the pith section.

Jute, flax, ramie, sedges, rushes, and reeds have long been used for fabrics
and baskets. Jute was cultivated in India in ancient times and used for
spinning and weaving. The first true paper is believed to have been made
in southeastern China in the second century AD from old rags (bast fibers) of
hemp and ramie and later from the bast fiber of the mulberry tree.

World markets for vegetable fibers have been steadily declining in

recent years, mainly as a result of substitution with synthetic materials.

Jute has traditionally been one of the principal bast fibers (tonnage basis)
sold on the world market; however, the precipitous decline in jute exports by
India indicate the decreasing market demand for this fiber that has been
vitally important to the economies of India (West Bengal), Bangladesh, and
Pakistan.
Natural Cellulosic Fiber Characteristics
Fiber Properties

Ramie is one of the oldest fiber

 Ramie requires chemical p
gum the fiber.

 It is fine absorbent, quick-

slightly stiff and possesses
lustre.

 Its plant height is 2.5m and

crops, having been used for at least six thousand years. It is also known as eight times more than cott
China grass.

Depending on the processing used

 It is yellowish brown fibre

 Hemp fibers can be 3 to 15

running the length of the p

 Characteristics of hemp fib

superior strength and dura
to remove the fiber from the stem, the hemp naturally may be creamy to ultraviolet light and mo
white, brown, gray, black or green. good absorbancy

Jute is one of the cheapest natural

 Jute is a long, soft, shiny v
that can be spun into coars

 It is thus a ligno -cellulosic

partially a textile fibre and

 The plant grows up to a he

fibres and is second only to cotton in amount produced and variety of its fibre length is about 2m
uses. Jute fibres are composed primarily of the plant materials cellulose
and lignin.  It is generally used in geo

 It has a good resistance to

 Fiber Properties

and insects.

 It has low wet strength, low

inexpensive to produce

Fibre mechanically extracted from

 It is long, hard and strong
lower softness, lower wate
capacity, and shorter life th
fibre.

dry mature coconut husk after soaking.

Kapok fiber is a silky cotton-like

 It can support as much as 3
weight in water and loses o
buoyancy over a 30-day pe

 It is eight times lighter tha

 It is extremely used as a th
substance that surrounds the seeds in the pods of the ceiba tree.
 It is also lightweight, non-
toxic, resistant to rot and o

 Since it is inelastic and too

be spun.

 It has outstanding characte

lightness, impermeability,
and eco- naturality

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 Fiber

 Natural Cellulose Fibers – natures own fibers

Natural Cellulose Fibers –

natures own fibers
Cellulose is a fibrous material of plant origin and the basis
of all natural and man-made cellulosic fibers. The natural
cellulosic fibers include cotton, flax, hemp, jute, and ramie.
Cellulose is a polymeric sugar polysaccharide) made up of
repeating 1,4-8-an hydro glucose units connected to each
other by 8-ether linkages. Strong intermolecular forces
between chains, coupled with the high linearity of the
cellulose molecule, account for the crystalline nature of
cellulosic fibres.
FIBERNATURAL FIBER
By Textile School Last updated Mar 27, 2018

0 5,277

Share
Cellulosic Fibers

The natural fibers are vegetable, animal, or mineral in

origin. Vegetable fibers, as the name implies, are
derived from plants. The principal chemical component
in plants is cellulose, and therefore they are also
referred to as cellulosic fibers.

The fibers are usually bound by a natural phenolic

polymer, lignin, which also is frequently present in the
cell wall of the fiber; thus vegetable fibers are also
often referred to as lignocellulosic fibers, except for
cotton, which does not contain lignin.

Cellulose is a fibrous material of plant Origin and the

basis of all natural and man-made cellulosic fibers. The
natural cellulosic fibers include cotton, flax, hemp, jute,
and ramie. The major man-made cellulosic fiber is
rayon, a fiber produced by regeneration of dissolved
forms of cellulose.

Cellulose is a polymeric sugar (polysaccharide) made

up of repeating 1,4-8-an hydro glucose units connected
to each other by 8-ether linkages.

RELATED POSTS
Types of textile fibers – list of…

Characteristics of Rayon Fiber

Basics of Rayon Fiber

Wool fiber – Basics, Characteristics,…

The long 1inear chains of cellulose permit the hydroxyl

functional groups on each anhydrous glucose unit to
interact with hydroxyl groups on adjacent chains
through hydrogen bonding and van der Waal s forces.
These strong intermolecular forces between chains,
coupled with the high linearity of the cellulose
molecule, account for the crystalline nature of
cellulosic fibers.

Seed Fibers
Cotton is the most commonly used natural cellulosic fiber.
contains seven or eight seeds, and each seed may have up to

Coir is from the fibrous mass between the outer shell and h
durable indoor and outdoor mats, rugs, and tiles.
 Kapok fiber is from the seed of the Java or Indian kapok tr
it is difficult to spin into yarns. It is used as fiberfill and as
and the mattresses on cruise ships because it is very buoyan

Milkweed has properties similar to those of kapok.

Bast Fibers
Flax is one of the oldest textile fibers, but its use has declined since the invention of powe
now often used to refer to table, bed, and bath fabrics made from other materials

Ramie fibers are 4 to 6 inches long. The fibers are whiter and softer than flax. Ramie does
natural fiber, but it lacks resiliency, elasticity, and elongation potential. It is resistant to mi
ropes, paper, and table and bed linens
 Hemp is similar to flax. The fibers range in length from 3 to 15 feet. Hemp production is i
require pesticides. It produces 250% more fiber than cotton and 600% more fiber than flax
and mercury pollutants from soil. Hemp is used for ropes, apparel, and paper. Potheads are
the marijuana plant

Jute is one of the cheapest textile fibers, and one of the weakest cellulosic fibers. Jute has
colorfastness. It is used to produce sugar and coffee bagging, carpet backing, rope, and wa

Leaf Fibers
Piña fibers are from the leaves of the pineapple plant. It is used to make lightweight, shee
mats.

Abaca is from a member of the banana tree family. The fibers are coarse and very long (up
floor mats, table linens, apparel, and wicker furniture.
Classification of Vegetable
Fibers
 Vegetable fibers are classified according to their
source in plants as follows:
(1) the bast or stem fibers, which form the fibrous
bundles in the inner bark (phloem or bast) of the
plant stems, are often referred to as soft fibers for
textile use;

 (2) the leaf fibers, which run lengthwise through the

leaves of monocotyledonous plants, are also
referred to as hard fibers; and

 (3) the seed-hair fibers, the source of cotton, which

is the most important vegetable fiber. There are
>250,000 species of higher plants; however, only a
very limited number of species have been exploited
for commercial uses (<0.1%).

The fibers in bast and leaf fiber plants are integral to

the plant structure, providing strength and support. In
bast fiber plants, the fibers are next to the outer bark in
the bast or phloem and serve to strengthen the
stems of these reed-like plants.

The fibers are in strands running the length of the

stem or between joints. To separate the strands, the
natural gum binding them must be removed. This
operation is called retting (controlled rotting).

For most uses, particularly for textiles, this long

composite-type strand fiber is used directly; however,
when such fiber strands are pulped by chemical means
the strand is broken down into much shorter and finer
fibers, the ultimate fibers.

The long leaf-fibers contribute strength to the leaves of

certain nonwoody, monocotyledonous plants. They
extend longitudinally the full length of the leaf and are
buried in tissues of a parenchymatous nature. The
fibers found nearest the leaf surface are the strongest.
The fibers are separated from the pulp tissue by
scraping because there is little bonding between fiber
and pulp; this operation is called decortication. Leaf
fiber strands are also multicelled in structure.

Ancient humans used cordage in fishing, trapping, and

transport, and in fabrics for clothing. Rope and cord
making started in Paleolithic times, as seen in cave
drawings. Rope, cords, and fabrics were made from
reeds and grasses in ancient Egypt (400 BC). Ropes,
boats, sails, and mats were made from palm leaf fibers
and papyrus stalks and writing surfaces, known as
papyrus, from the pith section.

Jute, flax, ramie, sedges, rushes, and reeds have long

been used for fabrics and baskets. Jute was cultivated
in India in ancient times and used for spinning and
weaving. The first true paper is believed to have been
made in southeastern China in the second century AD
from old rags (bast fibers) of hemp and ramie and later
from the bast fiber of the mulberry tree.
World markets for vegetable fibers have been steadily
declining in recent years, mainly as a result of
substitution with synthetic materials.

Jute has traditionally been one of the principal bast

fibers (tonnage basis) sold on the world market;
however, the precipitous decline in jute exports by India
indicate the decreasing market demand for this fiber
that has been vitally important to the economies of
India (West Bengal), Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Natural Cellulosic Fiber

Characteristics
Fiber

Ramie is one of the oldest fiber crops, having been used for at least
six thousand years. It is also known as China grass.
Fiber

Depending on the processing used to remove the fiber from the stem,
the hemp naturally may be creamy white, brown, gray, black or green.

Jute is one of the cheapest natural fibres and is second only to cotton
in amount produced and variety of uses. Jute fibres are composed primarily of the plant materials
cellulose and lignin.

Fibre mechanically extracted from dry mature coconut husk after

soaking.
Fiber

Kapok fiber is a silky cotton-like substance that surrounds the seeds in

the pods of the ceiba tree.