This document summarizes the properties of several natural and synthetic fibers. It discusses the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of cotton, wool, jute, silk, nylon, viscose, and polyethylene fibers. For each fiber, it provides details on fiber length, diameter, strength, moisture absorption, and how the fiber is affected by heat, acids, alkalis, and other chemical treatments. It also lists common applications for each fiber type, such as clothing, home textiles, medical textiles, and industrial materials.

1. GREEN UNIVERSITY OF BANGLADESH
Department Of Textile Engineering
ASSIGNMENT
Remarks:
Course Code : TE 306
Course Title : Textile Physic II
Submitted To:
Name : Mr. Mohammad Ashraful Alam
Designation : Lecturer
Department : Textile
Submitted By:
Name : Md Rakibul Hassan
ID : 183014057
Section : E1
Department : Textile
Date Of Performance : 04-08-2020
Date Of Submission : 10-08-2020
Assignment Topic : Study On Various Fiber properties

2. Study On Various Fiber properties
Introduction:
Textile fibre is the material obtained from natural or synthetic source. Fibre which are obtained from
natural source are mainly termed as natural fibre, as they are originated from natural source, there are
three main source from that natural fibre can be produced. Cellulose fibre (origin from plant), protein
fibre (origin from animal) and also mineral fibre. This three kinds of fibre could produces staple yarn
(short fibre) in which fibre length is not too longer as compared to that of synthetic fibre. A natural
fibre may further defined as an agglomeration of cells in which diameter is negligible in comparison
with length. Although natural fibre material, specially cellulosic type such as cotton, in which number
can be used for for textile products and other industrial purpose. Apart from economical
consideration, usefulness of fibre for commercial purpose is determined by properties of fibre like
length, strength, pliability, elasticity abrasion resistance, absorbency and various surface property.
hence study of fibre property is important. Natural fibre are classified according to their origin.
Vegetable or cellulose base, class include fibre such as cotton, flax, and jute. The animal or protein
based fibre include wool, mohair and silk. An important class in mineral class is asbestos. Study of
fibre property is important because properties of fibre are mainly concerned with internal and surface
structure of fibre and both are control the behaviour of fibre in yarn and fabric.
Various fiber & their properties:
1. Cotton Fibre:
Cotton fiber is the purest source of cellulose and the most significant natural fiber. It is more popular
for its variety of use. Cotton fibre is most used fibre for producing various type of fabric through all
over the world. Cotton fabric are comfortable to wear because of their unique fibre property. It has
its own physical and chemical property which give better processing I spinning, weaving, knitting,
dyeing, printing and finishing.
Fig: Cotton Fibre
Physical properties of cotton fiber:
▪ Tensile strength – cotton is moderately strong fibre. Tenacity of cotton fibre is lies between 3-5
gm/denier
▪ Breaking elongation - 8-10%
▪ Specific gravity – 1.54 gm/cc
▪ Moisture regain – standard is 8.5
▪ Color – normally the color of cotton is creamy white

3. Chemical properties of cotton fiber:
▪ Effect of acid- Concentrated acid such as sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid damages the
fibre. But weak acid not damages the fibre.
▪ Effect of alkali – Alkali does not damages the fibre
▪ Effect of organic solvent – Cotton is dissolve in concentrated 70% H2SO4
Mechanical properties of cotton fiber:
Cotton fabric (CF) of 30 cm × 7.5 cm was used to reinforce the geopolymer. This fabric is made up
of yarns with a density of 1.54 g/cm3, tensile strength of 400 MPa, and Young's modulus of 4.8 GPa.
Application of cotton:
1. Shirts
2. Blouses
3. Childrens wear
4. Swimwear
5. Suits
6. Jacket
7. Skirts
8. Pants
9. Sweaters
10. Hosiery
11. Table cloths
12. Table mats
13. Napkins
2. Wool Fibre:
Wool is second most important fibre of animal origin. it is keratinous type of protein base fibre. Major
amount of wool is produced in australia and New zealand. Wool fibre possesses a feature called
‘crimp’, which is permanent wave. and fine wool are more crimpy.
Fig: Wool Fibre
Physical properties of wool fibre:
1. Length- length of wool fibre may be vary from 3.6 to 35 cm
2. Fineness- fineness range- 10-70 microns
▪ Merino wool- 10-30 micron
▪ Carpet wool- 20- 70 micro
3. Cross section- cross section of wool fibre it may be vary from circular to elliptical.

4. 4. Crimp-
▪ Fine wool - 14-22 crimps per inch
▪ Medium wool - 8-14 crimps per inch
▪ Coarse wool - upto 8 crimps per inch
5. Strength- Avg strength of wool fibre is 1 to 1.7 gram per denier
6. Colour- colour may yellowish but may be brown to black
7. Lustre -
▪ Coarse fibre - high lustre
▪ Fine fibre - less lustre
8. Elongation - 25-35%
9. Moisture regain - 15-18 %
10. Specific gravity - 1.3 to 1.32 gm/cc
11. Elasticity - 90-92%
12. L:D - 3000:1
Chemical properties of wool fiber:
1. Action of heat - heated in dry air at 100 to 110 c over a long period it loses its moisture and
strength. Decompose and turn to yellow colour.
2. Effect of water and steam- Exposed to water and steam , with or without tension ,wool will
change in its shape and affinity to dye.
3. Effect of Acid - with conc. acid like Hcl and H2so4 , wool is hydrolyzed immediately and salt
is formed with amino compound which dissolve in acid medium.
4. Effect of alkali- wool dissolve completely in 5% haoH (caustic soda ) at boil. And
disintegrated with dilute NaoH.
5. Effect of salt - calcium and magnesium salt in hard water causes yellowish effect on prolonged
boiling.
6. Action of oxidizing agent - damage of wool is more or less depending upon temp., conc., and
pH.
Mechanical properties of wool fibre:
1. Color: The color of wool fiber could be white, near white, brown and black.
2. Tensile Strength: The tensile strength of wool in dry condition is 1 – 1.7 and 0.8 – 1.6 in wet
condition.
3. Elongation at break: Standard elongation is 25 – 35% and 25 – 50% in wet condition
4. Elastic Recovery: Good.
Applications of wool:
▪ Blankets
▪ Clothing
▪ Upholstery
▪ Outerwear
▪ Suits
▪ Carpets
▪ Insulation, etc

5. 3. Jute Fibre:
Jute is a natural fiber popularly known as the golden fiber. It is one of the cheapest and the strongest
of all natural fibers and considered as fiber of the future. Jute occupies second place next to cotton in
worlds production of natural fibre.
Fig: Jute Fibre
Physical properties of jute fibre:
▪ Fibre length - 50 to 300 mm
▪ Fibre diameter - 0.035 to 0.14 mm
▪ Specific gravity - 1.48 gm/cc
▪ Fibre denier - 6 to 50
▪ Tenacity - 2.7 to 5.3 gm/tex
▪ Breaking elongation - 0.8 to 1.8 %
▪ Moisture regain - 13 %
▪ L:D - 110 to 140
▪ Unit cell length 0.8 to 6 mm
▪ Traverse swelling in water - 20 to 22 %
Chemical properties of jute fibre:
1. Chemical composition
▪ Cellulose - 58-63%
▪ Hemicellulose - 20- 22%
▪ Lignin - 12 - 14.5 %
▪ Wax and fats - 0.4 -0.8%
▪ Pectin - 0.2 -0.5 %
▪ Protein - 0.8 - 2.5 5
▪ Mineral matter - 0.6 -1.2%
2. Prolonged heating causes degradation of jute fibre.
3. Action of heat - strong acid at boiling causes hydrocellulose and lead to loss in strength. But
dilute acid have no effect on jute fibre.
4. Action of alkali- Dilute alkali has no effect of jute fibre, but strong alkali at boil causes loss in
strength.
Mechanical Properties of jute fibre:
The jute fiber has a tensile strength ranging from 300 to 700 MPa [11]. There is a significant increase
in the tensile strength noted for the treated jute fiber and the increase is about 45%. The cellulose
microfibrils are the main contributors for the tensile strength of natural fibers.

6. Application jute fibre:
1. Industrial textile
▪ Tarpaulin
▪ Jute geotextile
2. Apparel textile
▪ outerwear
▪ suits
▪ hessian cloth
3. Home textile
▪ floor covering
▪ carpets
▪ upholstery
▪ chair covering
▪ curtains
4. Silk Fibre:
Silk is natural protein fibre, some forms of which can be woven into textile. The protein fibre of silk
is mainly composed of fibroin and is produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoon. The best
known silk is obtained from cocoons of the larvae mulberry silkworm bombyx mori reared in
captivity (sericulture). The shimmering appearance of silk is due triangular prism like structure of
silk fibre, which allows the silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angle, thus producing
different colour. Indian silk industries are very ancient mainly in cottage right from cocoon production
to fabric. India is only one country which produces commercially available four varieties of silk i.e
mulberry, tasar, Eri and muga.
Fig: Silk Fibre
Physical properties of silk fibre:
1. Length - silk is longest fibre of about 1000 mt ( unbroken filament )
2. Diameter - 0.013 to 0.08 mm
3. Denier - 2.3 ( raw state ) and 1 to 1.3 ( Boiled state )
4. Microscopy-
▪ cross section - Elliptical
▪ longitudinal view - Rough surface
5. Moisture regain - 11% at 65 % R.H and 27 c
6. Tensile strength - 3 to 4.5 gram per denier
7. Elongation - 18 to 22 %
8. Electrical property - poor conductor of electricity and accumulation of static charge.
9. Density - 1.33 gm/cc ( Raw state ) and 1.25 gm/cc ( Boiled state )

7. Chemical properties of silk fibre:
1. Action of heat - At 170 c silk is rapidly disintegrated. On burning it liberates and colour similar
to burning of hair.
2. Action of acid - Lusture of the silk increases as it absorb the dilute acid. It can decomposed by
strong mineral acid. Conc. acid such as sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid dissolve the silk.
3. Action of Alkali - silk is not sensitive to dilute alkali but strong caustic alkali dissolve the silk.
4. Effect of organic solvent - Cleaning solvents and spot removing solvents like carbon
tetrachloride, Acetone etc. do not damage the silk.
5. Effect of sunlight - sunlight tend to accelerate the decomposition of silk. It increases oxidation
and result in fibre degradation.
Mechanical properties of silk fibre:
Silk fibres are biodegradable and highly crystalline with a well-aligned structure. They have a higher
tensile strength than glass fibre or synthetic organic fibres, good elasticity, and excellent resilience.
Silk fibre is normally stable up to 140°C and the thermal decomposition temperature is greater than
1500°C.
Applications of silk:
➢ Home textile
▪ Decorative curtains
▪ Upholstery
▪ Silk throws and pillows
➢ Apparel textile
▪ Silk sarees
▪ Decorative outerwear
➢ Medical textile
▪ Absorbent pad
▪ Wound contact layer
5. Nylon:
Nylon is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers, based on aliphatic or semi-aromatic
polyamides. Nylon is a thermoplastic silky material[1] that can be melt-processed into fibers, films,
or shapes.[2]:2 It is made of repeating units linked by amide links[3] similar to the peptide bonds in
proteins. Nylon polymers can be mixed with a wide variety of additives to achieve many different
property variations. Nylon polymers have found significant commercial applications in fabric and
fibers (apparel, flooring and rubber reinforcement), in shapes (molded parts for cars, electrical
equipment, etc.), and in films (mostly for food packaging).
Fig: Nylon Fibre

8. Physical properties of Nylon:
• Tenacity: 4-9 gm/den (dry), in wet 90% of dry.
• Elasticity: Breaking extension is 20-40%.
• Stiffness: 20-40 gm/den.
• Moisture regain: 3.5-5%; (not absorbent due to crystallinity).
• Specific gravity: 1.14.
• Abrasion resistance: Excellent.
• Dimensional stability: Good.
• Resiliency: Excellent.
• Softening point: Nylon 6,6 – 2290
C, Nylon 6 – 1490
C.
• Melting point: Nylon 6,6 – 2520
C, Nylon 6 – 2150
C.
• Hand feel: Soft and smooth.
Chemical properties of Nylon:
• Acid: Nylon 6,6 is attacked by mineral acids is disintegrated or dissolved almost. But is inert
to dilute acetate acid and formic acids even of the boil. It is dissolved in the concentrated formic
acid. Nylon 6 is attacked by mineral acid but resistant to dilute boiling organic acid.
• Bleaches: Not attacked by oxidizing and reducing bleaches but may be harmed by chlorine
and strong oxidizing bleaches.
• Alkali: Nylon is substantially inert to alkalis.
• Organic solvent: Most of the solvent have little or no effect on nylon. Phenol metacressol and
formic acid dissolve the fibre but solvents used in stain removal and dry cleaning do not damage
it.
• Light: No discoloration. Nylon 6 gradually loss of strength on prolonged extension.
• Biological: Neither micro organism nor moth, larvae attack nylon.
• Electrical: High insulating properties leads to static charges on the fibre.
• Flammability: Burns slowly.
Application of Nylon:
Nylon is a popular fibre with useful applications in making shorts, swimwear, track pants,
bedspread, draperies, and many more. It is also used in technical textiles for making products such
as flak vests, combat uniforms, parachutes etc.
6. Viscose:
Viscose Rayon is a re generated cellulosic fiber. It is a manmade fiber but it shows both the properties
of natural fiber and synthetic fiber. It will be clear when you will read the following physical and
chemical properties of viscose rayon. If we know the properties of the viscose rayon then it will be
helpful to proceed the next process.
Fig: Viscose fibre

9. Physical properties Viscose Rayon:
▪ Tenacity: 2.4 – 3.2 gm/den
▪ Density: 1.64 – 1.54 gm/c.c
▪ Elongation at break: 13%
▪ Elasticity: Good
▪ Moisture Regain (MR%): 11 – 13%
▪ Melting point: This fiber becomes weak when it heated above 150oc.
▪ Ability to protest friction: Less
▪ Color: White
▪ Light reflection ability: Good but ultra violet ray damages the fiber.
▪ Lusture: light to bright
Chemical properties of Viscose Rayon:
▪ Acids: Viscose rayon is damaged by strong acids but it is moderate with weak acids.
▪ Basic: Good resistance to weak alkalis but strong alkali is harmful for viscose rayon.
▪ Effect of bleaching: Strong oxidizing agents damage the viscose rayon fiber.
▪ Organic solvent: Viscose rayon fiber has enough ability to protest the action of organic
solvents.
▪ Protection ability against mildew: Not good and mildew damages the rayon fiber.
▪ Protection ability against insects: Viscose rayon is affected by insects and they cause harm to
the fiber.
▪ Dyes: Viscose rayon could be dye with direct, vat and sulphur dyes.
7. Polyethylene Fiber:
Polyethylene is a polymer. Many no. of ethylene monomers join with each in the synthesis of
polyethylene polymer. Polyethylene mono filaments were produced commercially on a small scale
by conventional melt extrusion and drawing of polymers made by the high-pressure type of
polymerisation process, starting during World War II. Polyethylene is a hard, stiff, strong and a
dimensionally stable material that absorbs very little water. It has good gas barrier properties and
good chemical resistance against acids, greases and oils. It can be highly transparent and colourless
but thicker sections are usually opaque and off-white. Polyethylene also has good self extinguishing
properties and resistance against ultra violet. Polyethylene is obtained by the polymerization of
ethane. Cationic coordination polymerization, anionic addition polymerization, radical
polymerization and ion polymerization are the different methods by which polyethylene can be
produced. Every method gives different types of polyethylene. Mechanical properties of Polyethylene
depend on the molecular weight, crystal grouping and branching.
Fig: Polyethylene Fiber

10. Properties of Polyethylene Fiber:
1. Polyethylene fibre has a round cross section and has a smooth surface. Fibres made from low
molecular weight polyethylene have a grease like handle.
2. The moisture regain of polyethylene is practically nil and hence moisture does not affect
the mechanical properties of the fibres.
3. Higher energy is needed to break because of specific modulus and high specific strength
4. Polyethylene is insoluble in most of the common organic solvents at room temperature.
5. Polyethylene fibres have a high degree of resistance to acids and alkalies at all concentrations
even at high temperature.
6. Very good ultra violet resistance.
7. The fibre is generally inert and is resistant to wide range of chemicals at ordinary temperatures.
They are attacked by oxidising agents.
8. Excellent electrical and chemical resistance
9. Very good abrasion resistance
10. Other Properties:
▪ Specific Gravity- 0.92
▪ Tenacity - 1.0-1.5 gpd
▪ Elongation at Break %- 45-50
▪ Tensile Strength psi - 15000
▪ Softening Range: deg C- 85-90
Applications of Polyethylene fibre:
1. Medical implants
2. Cable and marine ropes
3. Sail cloth
4. Composites like Pressure vessel boat hulls, sports equipment, impact shields
5. Fish netting
6. Concrete reinforcement
7. Protective clothing
8. Can be used in radar protective cover because of its low dielectric constant
9. Can be used as a lining material of a pond which collects evaporation of water and containment
from industrial plants
10. Useful in geotextile applications
Conclusion:
That was a discussion of Various fibres properties in Apparel Industry. Each fiber has particular
properties which help us to decide which particular fiber should be used to suite a particular
requirement. Certain fiber properties increase its value and desirability in its intended end-use but are
not necessary properties essential to make a fiber. Thus it is very essential to know the individual
aspects and specific properties of each kind of fiber.
There are several primary properties necessary for a polymeric material to make an adequate
fiber.Certain other fiber properties increase its value and desirability in its intended end-use but are
not necessary properties essential to make a fiber. Such secondary properties include moisture

11. absorption characteristics, fiber resiliency, abrasion resistance, density, luster, chemical resistance,
thermal characteristics, and flammability.
—The End—
Submitted by
Md Rakibul Hassan
Id: 183014057
Article collected from;
1.https://textilelearner.blogspot.com/2019/02/properties-
natural-fibre.html
2. https://textilelearner.blogspot.com/2012/01/fiber-
properties-properties-of-textile.html
3. http://textilefashionstudy.com/viscose-rayon-
physical-and-chemical-properties-of-viscose-rayon/
4. https://www.scholar.google.com
5. https://www.wikipedia.org/