Fibers and Their Properties
This handy reference covers the history, properties, classification, types, and applications of fibers.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Fibers and Their Properties
Chapter 1: Fibers and Their Properties
Fibers are thread-like strands extracted from plants, animals, and minerals. Fibers can be spun into yarn. These strands are at least 100 times longer than their width. Fibers have diverse uses because they are flexible and can be spun into thread, rope, filaments, and string to be used in fabrics. Fibers can be used in composite materials and matted into sheets to make paper or felt.
This handbook discusses the history, properties, classification, and applications of fibers.
History of Fibers
Fibers have been used by man for ages. In ancient times, fibers were mainly used to make textile materials. Natural fibers, such as flax, cotton, silk, and wool were in use until the synthetic or manufactured fibers, known as man-made fibers, were introduced. Hemp is the oldest cultivated natural fiber plant that originated in central Asia. This fiber has been used since 8000 BC.
Fibers can be categorized into natural fibers and man-made fibers.
Flax is a natural textile fiber, which has been in use since 5000 BC. It was made into linen and found to be used in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs.
The use of cotton started more than 1300 years ago by the emperor of China. During 1884, the development of the power loom led to a significant improvement in the manufacture and use of cotton.
For many years, only natural fibers were used. However, natural fibers had certain disadvantages. Cotton and linen wrinkle from wear and wash. Silk needs to be handled delicately. Wool shrinks,...
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