Textiles

Lecture 7

1. Mineral fibers.
2. Fiber blends.
3. Artificial fibers.

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 CATEGORIES OF THE FIBERS

 Fiber refers to the basic material from which the cloth is made.
 It often gives its name to the fabric or to a whole range of fabrics made from that particular fiber.
 The list of natural fibers in traditional use is fairly short, but modern invention has added many
fibers, while the possibilities of combining fibers have become almost limitless.
 The most widely used fibers can be grouped into a few categories:
1. Natural fibers.
2. Mineral fibers.
3. Fiber blends.
4. Artificial fibers made from natural and synthetic polymers.
 There are two types of manufactured fibers: regenerated and synthetic.
 Regenerated fibers are man-made fibers that come from natural materials by processing the
materials to form a fiber structure. Examples of what regenerated fibers are used in are clothing,
carpets, bedding, canvas.
 Synthetic fibers are a subset of man-made fibers, made entirely from chemicals and are usually
stronger than either natural or regenerated fibers. Examples of synthetic fibers are nylon, polyester,
spandex, acrylic,

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 Mineral Fibers
(a) Asbestos
Mineral Fibers
 These are technically natural but of nonorganic origins.used for manufactured
fibers.
 Natural/mineral fibers, limited in their use, include asbestos, rubber, glass,
and metal.
 Asbestos, formerly popular for its fire-resistant properties,
 Asbestos is a mineral fiber found in rocks, of naturally occurring silicate
minerals that can be separated into fibers.
 There are several kinds of asbestos fibers, all of which are fire resistant and
not easily destroyed or degraded by natural processes.
 The fibers are strong, durable, and resistant to heat and fire.
 They are also long, thin and flexible, so that they can even be woven into
cloth, because of these qualities, asbestos has been used in thousands of
consumer, industrial, and building products.
 Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that has been used in more
than 3,000 different construction materials and manufactured products. It is
commonly found in heating system insulation, decorative spray-on ceiling
treatments, vinyl flooring, and a variety of additional materials.

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Mineral Fibers
(a) Asbestos

 All types of asbestos tend to break into very tiny fibers.

 These individual fibers are so small that many must be
identified using a microscope. In fact, some individual
fibers may be up to 700 times smaller than a human hair.
 Because asbestos fibers are so small, once released into
the air, they may stay suspended there for hours or even
days.
 Asbestos is probably the best insulator known to man.
 Usually asbestos is mixed with other materials to actually
form the products.
 Floor tiles, for example, may contain only a small
percentage of asbestos.
 The asbestos content of different materials varies
according to the product and how it is used.
 Among those materials with higher concentrations of
asbestos are insulation products on heating systems and
the backing on sheet vinyl flooring.
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 Mineral Fibers
(a) Asbestos
 Asbestos is a mineral that occurs in the natural environment. It is made up of
strands of durable fibers that are fire and heat resistant.
 Asbestos is not toxic, however when the mineral is broken down and the fibers
separate, they become extremely hazardous ,dangerous to the health.
 The tiny fibers form a dust that is picked up and carried in the wind. Because
the fibers are so tiny, individuals can easily breathe them .
 Once they make it through the nose or mouth, asbestos fibers stay in the body’s
vital organs and can lead to deadly disease.
 Asbestos. Previously valued for its fire-resistance, it has largely dropped
out of use, because it presents serious health hazards.

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 Mineral Fibers
(b) Metals & Glass
Metal fibers are very fine, unique fiber. Light reflective, metal is extremely glowing and
shining, while (unlike regular metallic) it has an extremely soft hand. Blended with other
fibers in amounts as small as 2%, it gives sparkle and highlight to your threads, yarns, art
quilts, or surface design and embellishment, ornamentation project. Application : D =
drapes, L = linens [table/bed/bath),
Glass. Fiberglas (trade name), or fiberglass, is a thin spun strand of glass.
It is resistant to fire and moisture. Excellent resistance to sunlight and mildew.
Good color range; resists most acids
but, with flexing, the fibers tend to break and shed.

fiberglass surfacing tissue Fiberglass fabrics with silicone rubber

Fiberglas Mesh coated
10 Paper Drywall Joint Tape
Corner Tape With Metal Strip
 Mineral Fibers
(b) Metals & Glass
Metals. In the form of thin strands, copper, gold,
silver, and stainless steel can be used as a fiber,
usually in combination with other fibers.
Lurex is a trade name for plastic-coated metal
strands.
Imitation metallic is made by coating a plastic with a
metallic finish.
In order to give protection to an optical fiber it must
be coated with some material, usually a polymer.
Acrylate is the most commonly used.
Polyimide coated fibers can operate at
temperatures up to 300°C.
For higher performance, metal-coated fibers using
pure metals of copper, aluminum and gold have
been available for some time.
These give higher temperature use, better properties ,
and higher strength than polymer coated fibers.

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 Fiber Blends

 Two or more fibers are combined in one yarn in order to maximize the strengths and
minimize the weaknesses of its component fibers.
 For example, natural and artificial fibers may be combined to retain, keep the texture
and appearance of the natural yarn while gaining ,increasing the wrinkle- and dirt-
resistance and durability of the synthetic yarn
 (Dacron and cotton) ,(wool and nylon ) are useful blends.
 The different fibers may be spun together into a single yarn or several separate and
different yarns may be woven together.
 More than two fibers may be combined in complex blends, as for example, a blended
yarn woven together with a yarn of a third fiber

Wool, Silk and Angora Wool, Mohair, Silk

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 Fiber Blends
Although a textile may consist of one type of generic fiber, frequently two or more
are blended to increase the strength and aesthetic appearance, or/ and to
minimize the weakness, of a particular fiber.
For example, natural and synthetic fibers can be blended to retain the appearance
and texture of the natural fiber while gaining the soil resistance and durability
of the synthetic fiber.
Different fibers can be spun into one yarn, or different yarns can be blended into a
single fabric.
These combinations have produced some important changes in fabric
characteristics. By combining polyester fibers with cotton in various
proportions, the resultant textile is made wrinkle, crinkle free and almost
completely soil resistant.
Wool's strength is increased when blended with nylon.
Fabric manufacturers and producers can devise ,develop and create almost endless,
continual combinations to obtain the best qualities of various fibers. However,
some fiber blends can have disadvantages.
Manufacturers are required by federal law to label fabrics with fiber content and
method of care, which can help counteract (work against) these disadvantages.
It is extremely important for a designer to keep side by side of the characteristics
of fibers and their probable performance
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 Natural & organic
 What is the difference between organic and natural food?”. Many people think that
there is no difference between the two and both mean the same. But this is not true. If
you compare organic and natural from their definitions, the difference will be clear.
 Organic food refers to food items that are produced, manufactured and handled using
organic means (ways- methods- processes - measures- procedures )defined by
certifying bodies (organization ) such as the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) under its Organic Food Products Act. Natural food, on the other hand,
generally refers to food items that are not altered (changed) chemically in any form.
These are derived from plants and animals. Thus a natural food item is not necessarily
organic.
 What's the difference between natural and organic when it comes to yarn? Natural
fibers like cotton, silk, and wool are classic knitting materials that knitters have used
for centuries: they come from plants and animals and are processed into yarn by
humans. The process that turns your sheep's fleece into fine yarn is where the term
organic comes in. Organic describes a product or food that is made according to
strict guidelines that vary from country to country, but basically insure that no toxic
chemicals are involved in the production. Buying cotton yarn labeled organic means
that your yarn is really just cotton; not cotton plus ammonia, petroleum, and
pesticides (insect killer)
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 Natural & organic
What are the differences between natural and organic fabrics?
 Natural fibers are those found, well in nature. The most common natural fibers used to make
clothing are cotton, hemp, linen, wool, and silk.
. Natural fibers can be split into three main groups.
1.Vegetable fibers are those that come from plants. For example, hemp and cotton.
2. Protein fibers- these are fibers that come from animal hair and wool. fur, cashmere and wool
all are part of this group.
3. Silk is a group all in itself. Silk comes from silkworms.
 Organic fibers on the other hand are natural fibers that are taken and then produced without
any chemicals. They don't use pesticides or fertilizers as they grow or raise ,increase the
products.
 You can find natural but have it not be organic at all. There is a huge difference between the
two.
 Because its so important to know what you are buying, here are some good things that I've
been able to research and find out about when it comes to sustainable natural fibers for rugs
and fabrics.
 Organic Cotton is grown without the use of chemicals, mainly, herbicides, fertilizers,
pesticides, and insecticides. Because of the method that is used by the farmers, insect and pest
levels are brought down to a minimum in not completely eliminated. This enhances the soil
and growth. It also eliminates health risks or damaged environment. Because it has not been
17 chemically processed, the fiber is extremely strong, which is another great reason to go with
organic cotton.
 Natural & organic
 Sometimes it can be hard to manufacture organic cotton because of how much
water it needs. You can also get cotton that naturally grows in colors such as
brown, natural, and green. Colored organic cotton is great because it is
completely fade resistant. Along with being eco-friendly, cotton is also nice
because you can continue to re-use it, it is recyclable, and isn't processed very
much.
 Organic wool is a amazingly strong and attractive fiber that can last a very long
time.
 It doesn't come without a lot of water during the processes of cleaning the
wool, this makes a lot of water waste.
 You do want to look for a couple of specific things ,when you are out buying.
Make sure that the wool you buy is unbleached products. Also check the dying
process and make sure that it is dyed with an environment -friendly way.
 This wool is amazing because of how it is stain resistant, recyclable, eco-
friendly, and even fire retardant.

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 MANUFACTURED FIBERS

 Manufactured fibers are produced from man-made substances

 The usable fiber a result of industrial processing.

 Manufactured fibers can be divided into two categories:

 Cellulose based (Regenerated fibers are man-made fibers that come from natural materials by
processing the materials to form a fiber structure. Examples of what regenerated fibers are used
in are clothing, carpets, bedding, canvas. )
Rayon, acetate, and triacetate are produced from cellulose, a natural raw material, and various
chemicals are added.

 Non- cellulosic, or synthetic, (Synthetic fibers are a subset of man-made fibers, made
entirely from chemicals and are usually stronger than either natural or regenerated fibers.
Examples of synthetic fibers are nylon, polyester, spandex, acrylic.)
Non-cellulosic, or synthetic, fibers nylon, polyester, olefin, acrylic, saran, vinyl. and many others
are manufactured from chemical compounds, such as petroleum, natural gas, coal, air, and water

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 MANUFACTURED
FIBER ADVANTAGES; CHARACTERISTICS DIS-DVANTAGES APPLICATIONI

MANUFACTURED Resistant to moths, pilling, mildew, Poor resistance to sunlight. D,L,U

CELLULOSIC discoloration (staining). low abrasion resistance.
Acetate Dries quickly; economical; dry- Flammable
Regenerated from clean or wash according to
cellulosic, wood chips specifications; silk-like, sheen
,cotton linters,& acetic
acid.
Rayon Resistant to moths, pilling; Very flammable unless treated; B,C,D,L,R,U
Regenerated from excellent color range; strong, shrinks in hot water if not treated
cellulosic, wood chips , and durable (in heavyweight fabrics).
cotton linters, Resembles cotton; colorfast; drapes
Viscose rayon well; economical use instead of silk
or cotton; versatile fiber
(multipurpose &flexible)
Triacetate Resistant to chemicals, insects, B,D
Arnel mildew, sunlight, wrinkling.
Colorfast; excellent color range;
holds shape well; dries quickly

Application code: B = blankets, e = carpet, D = drapes, L = linens [table/bed/bath), R = rugs, U = upholstery, we = wall
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coverings.
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 MANUFACTURED FIBERS
NONCELLULOSIC
Acrylics. Wool-like fibers. Modacrylics are so named because they have been chemically modified
to offer good flame resistance. Trade names include (unmodified) Acrilan, Orlon,Verel, Sef, Zefran,
and Dynel (which also comes modified.)

FIBER TRADE NAME CHARACTERISTICS DISADVANTAGES APPLICATION

NONCELLULOSIC
SYNTH ETl C
Acrylic Acrilan Dyes well; resistant to Subject to pilling; C,D,R,U,W
Creslan chemicals, insects, sunlight, generates static
Dolan Resembles wool; electricity; flammable
Orlon colorfast; soft texture; retains
Zefran shape well

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 MANUFACTURED FIBERS
NONCELLULOSIC
FIBER TRADE NAME CHARACTERISTICS DISADVANTAGES APPLICATION

NONCELLULOSIC
SYNTH ETl C
Modacrylics Kanekalon Resists water, insects, acids, Low resistance to B,D,R,U
SEF Retains shape well. abrasion, sensitive to
Similar to acrylics heat, melts when
but more resistant to stains; exposed to flame
soft; floating

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 MANUFACTURED FIBERS
NONCELLULOSIC
Polyamide (Nylon). One of the first and most useful synthetics, nylon has high strength and good
elasticity. Many types are now available. It is frequently used in blends. Antron and Cordura are familiar
trade names.
FIBER TRADE NAME CHARACTERISTICS DISADVANTAGES APPLICATION

NONCELLULOSIC
SYNTH ETl C
Nylon (also Anso Strong, durable; stable; Generates static C,D,R,U,WC
available as Antron resistant to insects, moisture, electricity; not resistant to
Nylon 6; 6,6; 6,9; Caprolan Lightweight; lustrous; pilling and soil
Ultron retains shape well; high tensile
Wellon Strength, elasticity ,softness ,flexibility

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 MANUFACTURED FIBERS
NONCELLULOSIC
 Olefin this includes the varieties polyethylene and polypropylene. A very light fiber,
olefin particularly resembles wool. Herculon is a trade name.
FIBER TRADE NAME CHARACTERISTICS DISADVANTAGES APPLICATION

NONCELLULOSIC
SYNTH ETl C
Olefin Alpha Economical; durable; quick Subject to heat and B,C,U
Herculon drying; fair resilience. Wool-like texture sunlight deterioration;
Marvess resists acids, soil resistant oily; flammable
Spectra

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 MANUFACTURED FIBERS
NONCELLULOSIC
FIBER TRADE NAME CHARACTERISTICS DISADVANTAGES APPLICATION

NONCELLULOSIC
SYNTH ETl C
Polyester Alvin Resists fading (vanishing) by sunlight; Subject to pilling and C,D,R,U
Dacron strong, durable , Lightweight . abrasion; retains oil-
Fortrel Resists flammable
wrinkling, mildew, insects.
Wool or silk Like, retain shape well ,
colorfast ;

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 MANUFACTURED FIBERS
NONCELLULOSIC

On the other hand, Polyester fiber consists of very
thin polyester filaments ,thread that provide a high
degree of softness.
 Polyester or polyether. Low density. Seals against
dust& light. Good sound .Excellent cushioning &
shock absorption. Can provide laminated to fabric,
film, netting, etc.

 These fiber fillings, selected to fill the seating, back

and armrests, are used to provide a very soft level of
comfort for all the parts of the body that come in
contact with the furniture. Polyurethane foam is a
great filling alternative because it is a soft material yet
it becomes firm under pressure.
 This allows for the piece of furniture to offer support
while staying comfortable.

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 MANUFACTURED FIBERS
NONCELLULOSIC
FIBER TRADE NAME CHARACTERISTICS DISADVANTAGES APPLICATION

NONCELLULOSIC
SYNTH ETl C
Spandex Cleerspan Strong, durable; stretches & Low strength, melts when U
Glospan recovers; resists chemicals and exposed to flame
Lycra sunlight. Easily dyed; good
Interspan moisture resistance

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 MANUFACTURED FIBERS
NONCELLULOSIC
 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), Familiar under the trade name Saran, it is made into both a yarn and a sheet. Yarns are also made by
slitting film. A heat-sensitive fiber, A highly elastic fiber, this is used for stretch fabrics such as spandex.

FIBER TRADE NAME CHARACTERISTICS DISADVANTAGES APPLICATION

NONCELLULOSIC
SYNTHETl C
Vinyl Naugahyde Produced in many textures, Difficult to repair; melts U,WC
Valcren weights, colors. Often used to when exposed to flame
PVC imitate leather; fabric backing

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