SYNTHETIC FIBERS AND PLASTICS
A fiber (or fibre) is a slender, elongated, thread-like structure that occurs naturally or can be produced artificially. Fibers are fundamental components used in the construction of various materials, textiles, and other products. They can be classified into two main categories: natural fibers and synthetic fibers
Natural Fibers:
Natural fibers are fibers that occur in nature and are harvested from plants, animals, or minerals. These fibers have been used by humans for various purposes, including the production of textiles, clothing, and other materials, for thousands of years. Natural fibers can be classified into several categories based on their origin:
Plant-based Natural Fibers:
Cotton:
Derived from the cotton plant's seed fibers.
Soft, breathable, and absorbent.
Widely used in the textile industry for making clothing and home textiles
Linen:
Obtained from the fibers of the flax plant.
Strong, durable, and breathable.
Often used for summer clothing and home furnishings
Jute:
Jute fibers come from the stems of the jute plant. Jute is commonly used to make burlap, sacks, and other coarse fabrics.
Hemp:
Obtained from the hemp plant's stalks.
Strong and durable, with anti-bacterial properties.
Used in a variety of textile applications, including clothing and accessories
Animal-based Natural Fibers:
Wool:
Comes from the fleece of sheep or other animals like goats (cashmere, mohair) and rabbits (angora).
Insulating, breathable, and can regulate temperature.
Commonly used for winter clothing
Silk:
Produced by silkworms to form their cocoons.
Luxurious, smooth, and has a natural sheen.
Used in the production of high-quality textiles and garments.
Mineral-based Natural Fibers:
Asbestos: While not commonly used today due to health concerns, asbestos was historically used as a natural mineral fiber in construction materials for its fire-resistant properties.
Other Natural Fibers:
Coir:
Coir fibers come from the husk of coconuts and are used to make products like ropes, doormats, and brushes.
Abaca:
Also known as Manila hemp, abaca fibers come from the leaf stalks of the abaca plant. They are used to make strong, durable products like ropes and specialty papers.