Plant Fibers – the oldest and most used textile fibers
Natural cellulose fibers originated from plants and trees such as cotton, flax, hemp, jute, ramie, kapok, coir, bamboo etc. are termed as Plant fibers.
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Natural cellulose fibers originated from plants and trees such as cotton, flax, hemp, jute, ramie, kapok, coir, bamboo etc. are termed as Plant 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.
All fibers which come from natural sources (animals, plants, etc.) and do not require fiber formation or reformation are classed as natural fibers. The natural fibers are vegetable, animal, or mineral in origin. Some of the natural fibers like vegetable fibers are obtained from the various parts of the plants. They are provided by nature in ready-made form. It includes the protein fibers such as wool and silk, the cellulose fibers such as cotton and linen, and the mineral fiber asbestos.
A number of methods are available for characterization of the structural, physical, and chemical properties of fibers. Various methods are used for fiber identification like microscopic methods, solubility, heating and burning method, density, and staining etc. End-use property characterization methods often involve the use of laboratory techniques which are adapted to simulate actual conditions of average wear on the textile or that can predict performance in end-use.
Each fiber has particular properties which help us to decide which particular fiber should be used to suit a particular requirement. Certain fiber properties increase its value and desirability in its intended end-use but are not necessary properties essential to make a fiber.
Fiber is a hair-like strand of material. It is flexible and can be spun or twisted for weaving, braiding, knitting, crocheting, etc. to make desired products. Fibers can be obtained in natural form from plants and animals as well as in synthetic form. Man-made or synthetic fibers are either made up of chemicals or by processing natural fibers to create new fiber structures/properties.
Textile is a type of material composed of natural or synthetic fibers. Types of textiles include animal-based material such as wool or silk, plant-based material such as linen and cotton, and synthetic material such as polyester and rayon. Textiles are often associated with the production of clothing.