1. Natural and Manufactured Fibers

2. Fiber Characteristics
Knowledge of fiber characteristics will help you select the fiber most appropriate for its end use.

3. Fiber Characteristics
Abrasion Resistance- is a worn spot that can develop when fibers rub against something. (Pilling- tiny balls of fiber on the fabric.)
Absorbency-ability to take in moisture.
Durability- refers to how long you will be able to wear or use a particular garment or item.

4. Fiber Characteristics
Elasticity- Is the ability to increase in length when under tension (elongation) and then return to the original length when released (recovery).
Hand- Is the way a fiber, yarn, or fabric feels when handled.

5. Fiber Characteristics
Resiliency- able to spring or bounce back into shape after crushing or wrinkling.
Strength- ability to withstand tension or pulling.
Warmth – ability of a fiber to maintain body heat of wearer
Wicking - ability to draw moisture away from the body so the moisture can evaporate.

6. Natural Fibers
Cellulosic- plant derived
Cotton
Flax- (Linen)

7. Cotton Soft, absorbent, and comfortable. Wrinkles easily.
Absorbs perspiration quickly.
Strong and durable.
Inexpensive
Does not pill
Blends well

8. Flax Commonly called Linen
Comes from the Flax plant.
Oldest fiber.
Cool and comfortable.
Wrinkles easily.
Strong, durable and lustrous.

9. Protein Fibers
Wool
Silk
Come from animal sources

10. Wool Hard wearing and absorbs moisture. Natural insulator.
Does not wrinkle easily.
Traps odors.
Flame resistant

11. Silk Versatile and very comfortable. Absorbs moisture.
Cool to wear in the summer yet warm to wear in winter.
Can be easily dyed.
Retains its shape and is relatively smooth.
Poor resistance to sunlight exposure.
Strongest natural fiber and is lustrous.

12. Manufactured Fibers
Can be made into staple or filament fibers.
Blends

13. Types Cellulosic Fibers Made from
cellulose – the fibrous substance in plant life
Noncellulosic Fibers
Made by combining molecules of nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon
Also known as Manufactured Fibers

14. Manufacturing Process
1. The solid raw material is changed to a liquid
2. The liquid is extruded through a spinneret
3. It hardens in the form of a fiber

15. Kinds of Manufactured Fibers
Rayon- 1st MF fiber 1910
Acetate- 1924
Nylon- 1939
Olefin- 1949
Polyester-1953
Spandex- 1959
Lyocell- 1992

16. Specialty Fibers
Specialty fibers are protein fibers. They are rarely found alone 100% in a garment. They are blended with other fibers due to their limited availability and expense.
Angora
Cashmere
Mohair