Fibres

• The class of materials that are continuous filaments or are in discrete elongated pieces similar to lengths of thread are fibers.
• Fibers may be obtained from plants and animals or may be made by human beings.
• Based on their origin fibres are of two types:

1. Synthetic Fibres

2. Natural Fibres

Synthetic Fibres:

• Fibres that are made by human beings are called synthetic fibres.
• Regenerated synthetic fibre: These are made by chemical processing natural materials.

For example:

• Rayon is made by processing the cellulose which is present in wood pulp.

True synthetic Fibre: It is made entirely from chemicals.

For example:

• Nylon was the first true synthetic fibre, made from chemicals obtained from petroleum (crude oil).

Natural Fibres:

• Substances produced by plants and animals that can be spun into filament, thread or rope and in a next step be woven, knitted, matted or bound.
• The oldest fibres used by mankind are cotton (5000 BC) and silk (2700 BC), but even jute and coir have been cultivated.