1. Fibre types and Classifications

2. What are Fibres?
A fibre is a fine, threadlike piece, with a length at least 100 times greater than the width. Fibres are the raw materials (natural or manufactured) used to make yarns and fabrics.

3. Fibres contribute to the aesthetic, durability, comfort, appearance and care of fabrics. They determine to a large extent the end use of a fabric and they influence the cost of fabrics.

4. Staple Fibres Short fibres are known as staple fibres.
These usually range from 15mm to 1500mm in length.
Examples include wool and cotton.

5. Filament Fibres
Long or continuous fibres are known as filament fibres.
Examples include silk and nylon.

6. Staple Vs Filament

7. Classification of Fibres
Natural
Cellulosic
Cotton
Flax
Protein
Wool
Silk
Man-Made
Regenerated
Rayon
Acetate
Manufactured
Polyester
Nylon

8. Fibre Structure Fibre properties are determined by the:
External structure (Morphology)
Chemical composition
Internal structure (Molecular)
of the fibre.

9. External Structure External structure refers to the fibres morphology:
Length (staple or filament)
Diameter and size (denier)
Cross-sectional shape
Surface contour

10. Chemical Composition
Chemical composition refers to what fibres are made from.
For example, cotton is made from cellulose and wool is made from protein.

11. Internal Structure A monomer is the basic unit of a fibre.
Polymerisation is the process of joining monomers to form a chain (called a polymer).

12. Confused?

13. Basically,
Many small monomers
ONE polymer

14. The length and shape of the polymers varies between fibres.
The Molecular (internal) structure of a fibre can determine its properties and end use.

15. Amorphous Structure
Amorphous structure occurs in fibres when the polymers are in a RANDOM arrangement and there are large distances between them,
which results in fewer binding forces and a weak structure.

16. Amorphous Structure

17. Crystalline Structure
Crystalline regions occur when the polymers are packed closely together and in a parallel arrangement, allowing many binding forces and resulting in a stronger fibre.

18. Crystalline Structure

19. Fibre Properties Fibre properties table
All fibres have different properties, or qualities. Properties determine the end use of the fibre.