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Fiber or fibre (see spelling differences) is a class of hair-like materials that are continuous filaments or are in discrete elongated pieces, similar to pieces of thread. They can be spun into filaments, thread, or rope. They can be used as a component of composite materials. They can also be matted into sheets to make products such as paper or felt. Fibers are of 2 types: natural fiber and man made or synthetic fiber.
Natural fibers
Natural fibers include those made out of plants, animal and mineral sources. Natural fibers can be classified according to their origin.
Vegetable fibers
Vegetable fibers generally comprise cellulose: examples include cotton, linen, jute, flax, ramie, sisal and hemp. Cellulose fibers serve in the manufacture of paper and cloth. This fiber can be further categorized into the following:- Seed fiber: The fiber is collected from the seed. e.g. Cotton and Kapok.
- Leaf fiber: The fiber is collected from the leaf. e.g. Sisal and Agave.
- Bast fiber or skin fiber: The fiber is collected from the skin or bast surrounding the stem of the plant. These fibers have higher tensile strength than other fibers. Therefore, these fibers are used for durable yarn and fabric for packaging and paper. Examples are: Jute, Kenaf, industrial Hemp, Ramie, Rattan, Soybean fiber, and even Vine fibers and Banana fibers.
- Fruit fiber: The fiber is collected from the fruit of the plant. e.g. Coconut (Coir) fiber.
- Stalk fibre: Straws of wheat, rice, barley, and other crops including Bamboo and Grass.
Animal fibers
- Animal Hair (Wool or Hairs): Fiber or wool is taken from animals or hairy mammals. e.g. Wool (sheep wool), goat hair (Alpaca, Cashmere), horse hair, etc.
- Silk Fibre: Fiber is collected from dried saliva of bugs or insects during preparing cocoons. e.g. Silk from silk worms
- Avian Fibre: Fiber from Birds. e.g. Feather and feather fiber.
Mineral fibers
Mineral fibers are naturally occurring fiber or slightly modified fiber procured from minerals. These can be categorized into the following categories:- Asbestos: The only naturally occurring mineral fiber. Varieties are: Serpentine (Chrysotile) and Amphiboles (Amosite, Crocidolite, Tremolite, Actinolite, and Anthophyllite).
- Ceramic fibres: Glass fibres (Glass wool and Quartz), Aluminum oxide, Silicon carbide, and Boron carbide
- Metal fibres]]: Aluminum fibres
See also
External Links
Classification of natural fibers and list of bast fibers. Classification of vegetable & bast fibers.
"Natural fiber"