Fibers ID Guide Fall 2009 Forensics

Polyester Fibers SEMSEM picture of a bend in a high- surface area polyester fiber with a seven-lobed cross sectionfiber Strong Resistant to stretching and shrinking Resistant to most chemicals Quick drying Crisp and resilient when wet or dry Wrinkle resistant Mildew resistant Abrasion resistant Retains heat-set pleats and crease Easily washed

Woven texture- smooth ends of the fibers are pointed Used in bed sheets, kitchen linen, towels, shirts, swimwear, etc… Interesting use: combat and police uniforms

Long Smooth Strong Not fuzzy ends Does not retain stains More expensive then cotton Interesting Fact: Linen is used for protective garments of the spacemen and for protection of the spaceships outside. Under a Microscope: looks like multiple sided cylindrical filaments with fine pointed edges.

Wool Uses- clothing, blankets, horse rugs, saddle cloths, carpeting, felt, wool insulation and upholstery. piano hammers, absorb odors and noise in heavy machinery and stereo speakers. Looks - Single strand-frayed, all together-clean cut Wool has high crimp, allows it to be spun easier

Wool Frayed ends Fibers spun together to stay together Interesting Fact: Wool is comparatively stronger than steel

Silk Silk is used to make clothingFiber- silk *The ends of the fiber are frayed and very loose *Silk is used to make night wear and lingerie for men and women By: Tyler Donde and Katie Crail

Hemp -Ends are cut and frayed -The fiber weave is spiraled and turned to rope (usually) -Interesting use: -The core of the stem, shive, is used for animal bedding

Jute Jute is one of the cheapest natural fibers and is second to cotton in the amount produced. Jute is often woven into carpets, chair covers and curtains It is brittle, crease resistant and often sheds Jute is easily dyed but becomes weak when wet. This fiber is usually frayed at the ends and can be weaved with other natural and synthetic fibers.

- Used for body armor and bicycle tires - Strong synthetic fiber, weave is also tight to protect from breakage -Ends are straight not frayed - It also can be used for a replacement for asbestos as brake pads

It’s round, smooth, and shiny filament fibers Ends look frayed The weave is tight and even Used for seatbelts, tire cords, ballistic cloth Nylon

Burlap -Straight cut/even ends -Loose Weave -A woven cloth made from jute, hemp, or flax fibers Interesting Fact: Burlap is used to make sturdy bags that are used in sack races.

The ends of a rayon fiber look frayed and twisted. INTERESTING USE: medical surgery products

Soft, staple fiber Many fuzzy ends Under microscope looks flat, spirally ribbon like Interesting Use: Cotton can yearn into candle wicks