Elementary Textiles & Classification of Fibers

Textiles are an essential part of daily life. From the clothes we wear to the bedsheets we sleep on, they are everywhere. They go beyond fashion, playing a crucial role in industries like healthcare, sports, home decor and even agriculture. Texile is a type of material composed of natural or artificial fibers. Textile refers to any material made of interlacing fibers or yarn, including fabrics, knitted or woven fabrics, and non-woven fabrics. Textiles can be made from natural fibers such as cotton, wool and silk, or synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon. They can also be a combination of both natural and synthetic fibers. Textiles are used in a wide range of applications, including clothing, home textiles (such as curtains, bed linens and towels), and industrial textiles (such as filters, geotextiles and medical textiles). Medical textiles include bandages, surgical gowns and masks, while sportswear relies on breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics. In transport, textiles are used for car seats, airbags and seatbelts. Even advanced innovations like self-cleaning and antibacterial fabrics are changing the industry. Whether natural or synthetic, textiles provide comfort, functionality and durability, making them one of the most important materials in modern living. The production of textiles is a major industry worldwide, and it involves processes such as spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, printing and finishing.

Clothing as we all know is one of the basic needs of human being. From early days itself we used it for different purposes such as covering the body, warmth, personal adornment and even display wealth. Today textiles are used for different purposes other than the above mentioned. A Textile is a cloth, which is either woven by hand or machine. In other words, a textile is any material made from interlacing fibres, yarns or threads. Common examples include cotton shirts, silk sarees and cushion covers etc. Textiles can be natural, synthetic, or a blend of both. The word textile is a Latin word originated from the word 'Texere' which means 'to weave'. The study of textiles covers the basic concepts of fibers, yarns, weaves and fabric manufacturing. It also includes various finishes that are used to enhance fabric performance and aesthetics. Basic Components of Textiles

• Fibres - The raw material for textiles. They can be:
  • Natural (Cotton, wool, Silk, Linen)
  • Synthetic (Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic)
  • Semi-synthetic (Rayon, Made from Plant Cellulose)
• Yarns - Twisted strands of fibre used in textile production.
• Fabrics - Created from woven or knitted yarns.
• Dyes - Used to add colour to fabrics.
• Finishes - Treatments that improve texture, durability, and functionality.

Textile Manufacturing Processes

• Weaving - Two sets of yarns interlaced at right angles, creating different textures such as satin, linen, or denim.
• Knitting - Yarns looped together to form stretchable fabrics like T-shirts and sweaters.
• Non-Woven Techniques - fibres bonded using heat, chemicals, or pressure, producing materials like felt and disposable face masks.

Fiber (American English) also fibre (British English), is the basic unit of which a fabric is made. In appearance it is a thin hair like structure of any length and can be measured in meters. Fiber is used for manufacturing fabrics as all fibers are suitable for textile purposes. In other words, fiber can be defined as the raw materials used to produce textiles. They can be natural - like cotton, wool and silk, or synthetic - like polyester and nylon. The type of fibre determines the texture, strength and durability of the fabric.

Fibers can be classified based on various factors such as their origin, structure and properties. These classifications can be useful in understanding the characteristics and uses of different types of fibers, as well as in the development and selection of materials for specific applications. The two primary categories of fibers are Natural Fibers and Man-made (Synthetic) fibers. Natural fibers are derived from plant, animal or material sources, while man-made fibers are produced through chemical processes using synthetic materials. Within these categories, fibers can be further classified based on their physical and chemical properties, such as strength, elasticity, and heat resistance. By understanding the different types and properties of fibers, manufacturers and consumers can make informed decisions about materials for a variety of applications. Fiber can be classified according to its length or according to its origin.

Staple fiber and filament fiber are two types of fibers commonly used in the textile industry. The main difference between them is that staple fiber is produced in a specific length and is cut to that length before being spun into yarn, while filament fiber is produced in continuous lengths without being cut. Staple fibers are commonly used in the production of fabrics for clothing, bedding and other household items, while filament fibers are often used in the production of industrial materials such as ropes and nets. Both types of fibers have their own unique properties and uses, and manufacturers often choose one or the other depending on the desired end product. In short, Short or limited length fibers are called staple fiber and long continuous fibers are called filament fibers. Examples for Staple Fiber include Cotton, Wool and Flax. Fabrics made from staple fibers are typically soft and breathable. Examples for Filament Fiber includes Natural Silk, along with synthetic fibers like Polyester and Nylon.

Fibers vary in length, which affects their properties and how they are used in textiles. Natural Fibers Natural fibers are derived from natural resources such as plants or animals and have been used for clothing and textiles for thousands of years. Examples of natural fibers include cotton, wool, silk, hemp, and jute. These fibers are often preferred for their comfort, breathability, and sustainability, as they are biodegradable and renewable. Natural fibers can be processed through spinning, weaving, and knitting to create a wide range of fabrics and textiles. While natural fibers have many advantages, they may also be more expensive than synthetic fibers and may require more care and maintenance. Additionally, the production of some natural fibers can have negative environmental impacts, such as deforestation and water usage. It can be further classified into the following categories.

Man-made fibers, also known as Artificial Fibers, are produced through chemical processes using raw materials such as petroleum, coal and natural gas (artificially produced or re-generated). These fibers are engineered to have specific properties, such as strength, durability and resistance to heat and chemicals. Examples of man-made fibers include Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic and Rayon. These fibers are often used in clothing, home textiles and industrial applications due to their versatility and low cost of production. However, they are also known for their negative impact on the environment, as they are not bio-degradable and can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills. Man made fibers are sub divided into the following categories...

• Modified Fiber
  Modified Fiber also known as Regenerated Fiber is derived from natural sources but chemically processed. Examples include Rayon and Modal, which combine the softness of natural fibers with added durability.
• Synthetic Fiber
  Made from petroleum-based chemicals. Examples include Polyester, Nylon and Acrylic, which are strong, wrinkle-resistant and durable.
• In-organic Fiber
  These are fibers made from non-carbon-based materials, often derived from minerals. Examples include Glass Fibers, Ceramic Fibers and Metallic Fibers. They are used in specialized applications such as insulation, aerospace and industrial textiles due to their heat resistance and durability.

Understanding fiber classification helps in making informed choices for clothing and textiles. Natural fibers offer breathability and comfort, while man-made fibers provide durability and easy maintenance.