| Fiber Classification | Material | Feature | Application |
Natural Fiber-Come from plants or animals and are spun or twisted into yarns. | Cotton | - Fair to good strength
- Very little elasticity
- Soft feel
- Good absorbency
- Weakened by extended sunlight exposure
| - textile products
- woven and knitted apparel
- lend with other fibers as rayon, polyester, spandex, etc.
|
| Wool | - Crimped in appearance
- Elastic
- Hygroscopic, readily absorbs moisture
- Ignites at a higher temperature than cotton
- Resistant to static electricity
| - Clothing – jackets, suits, trousers, sweaters, hats etc.
- Blankets, carpets, felt and upholstery
- Horse rugs, saddle cloths
|
Man-made Fibers- Are made from various chemicals that are then melt-spun or wet-spun into a continuous filament fibers. | Rayon/Viscose | - Soft, smooth and comfortable
- Naturally high in lustre
- Highly absorbent
- Durability and shape retention is low, especially when wet
- Low elastic recovery
| - Apparel - blouses, dresses, jackets, lingerie, linings, suits, neck ties etc.
- Furnishing items - bedspreads, bed sheets, blankets, window treatments, upholstery etc.
- Industrial uses e.g. medical surgery products, non-woven products, tyre cord etc.
- Other uses - feminine hygiene products, diapers, towels etc.
|
| Nylon | - Highly resilient
- High elongation and elasticity
- Very strong and durable
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Thermoplastic
- Has the ability to be very lustrous, semi-lustrous or dull
- Resistant to insects, fungi, mildew and rot
| - Apparel – pantyhose, stockings, leggings, etc.
- Home furnishing
- Industrial applications - parachutes, tyre cords, ropes, airbags, hoses, etc.
|
| Polyester | - Thermoplastic
- Good strength
- Hydrophobic (non absorbent)
| - Apparel – woven and knits, shirts, pants, jackets, hats etc.
- Home furnishing – bed sheets, blankets, upholstered furniture, cushioning material
- Industrial uses – conveyor belts, safety belts, tyre reinforcement
|
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