This document defines key textile terms and classifies fibers based on origin. It discusses the basic units of textiles including textiles, fibers, fabrics, and apparel. Fibers can be natural or man-made, with natural fibers coming from plants, animals, or minerals. Man-made fibers are either regenerated from natural sources or completely synthetic. The document also provides common properties of different fiber types including vegetable, animal, mineral, and man-made fibers.

1. Basic Terms used in Textiles
 Textile- A textile is flexible material consisting of network of natural or artificial fiber often referred to as thread or yarn.
 Fiber-
o Fibers are the fundamental units in fabrication of textile yarns and fabrics.
o Fiber is defined as unit of matter characterized by flexibility, fineness, and a high ratio of length to thickness. It is
defined as one of the delicate, hair portions of the tissues of a plant or animal or other substances that are very
small in diameter in relation to their length.
o It is a smallest textile component which is microscopic hair like substance that may be manmade or natural.
o Textile fiber can be spun into a yarn or made into a fabric by various methods including weaving, knitting, braiding
and felting.
o The essential requirements for fibers to be spun into yarn include a length of at least 5 millimeters, flexibility,
cohesiveness, and sufficient strength. Other important properties include elasticity, fineness, uniformity, durability,
and luster.
 Fabric- refers to any material made through weaving, knitting, crocheting, or bonding.
 Apparel- is anything that one puts on one’s body. Clothing, shoes, hats, globes, & scarves are example of apparel items

2. Classification of Fiber on the basis of Origin-
Fiber/
Fibre
Natural
Fiber
Manmade
Fiber

3. Natural Fiber
Plant Fibers/
Cellulosic Fiber
Seed Hair
1. Cotton,
2.kapok,
3.milk weed,
4.catail
Stem Fiber
1. Linen/ Flax
2.Hemp
3. Jute
4. Sunn
Leaf fiber
1. Sisal
(agave)
2. Pima
(Pineapple)
3. Palm
4. Banana
5. Henequen
Nut Fiber
1. Coconut
Fiber
Animal Fibers/
Protein Fibers
Animal Hair
1. Wool-
Sheep's fiber
2. Speciality
hair Fiber
(camel hair,
rabbit hair,
Mohair-
Angora Goat,
Cashmere,
Llama, Vicuma
)
Animal
Secration
1. Cultivated
Silk Fiber -
Mulberry Silk
2.Wild Silk
Fiber- Eri,
Moonga,
Tusser
Mineral
Asbestos
obtainded
from Rock
Rubber (not
cellulosic)

4. Mnmade Fiber
Regenrated Cellulose
Fiber
1. Viscose Rayon
2. Cuprammonium
Rayon
3. Nitrocellulose
Rayon
4. High wet modulus
Rayon
Modified Cellulosic
Fiber
1. Acetate
2. Triacetate
Regenrated Protein
Fiber
1. Zein made from
maize
2. Casein made from
milkk
Manmade Mineral
Fiber
1. Glass
2. Metallic
3. Ceramic
Synthetic Fiber or
Thermoplastic Fiber
1. Polyester
2. Nylon
3. Spandex
4. Acrylic
5. Polefin-
Polypropylene and
polyethylene

5. Common properties of Vegetable fibers/ Cellulosic Fibers-
Property Significance
Low resiliency Fabric wrinkles unless any finish is given
High density Fabric feels heavier
High water absorbency Comfortable for summer wars, good for towels, handkerchief and diapers.
Lacks loft Yarn can be creped, high count fabric feels can be made
Good conductor of heat Fabric feels cool in summer
Resistant to high heat During washing and dyeing, fabric can be boiled and can withstand hot ironing
Resistant to strong alkalis Fabric can be bleached and washed safely with soaps and detergents
Susceptible to strong mineral and organic
acids
Stains that require acid treatments should be rapidly removed
Resistant to moth Damp cloths should not be stored
Identification Cellulose fibers ignite quickly, burn freely with smoke, have an afterglow and after
burn and form a grey leathery ash.
Common properties of Animal fiber/ Protein Fibers-
Property Significance
Medium Density Fabric of same thickness feel lighter than cellulosic fabrics
Weak strength, if wet Wool when wet looses about 40% of its strength, silk losses 15% so, careful handling
is necessary during washing.
High resiliency Wrinkles go out upon wearing
Bad conductor of electricity They build up static electricity in cold and dry weather
Susceptible to strong alkalis Use neutral or slightly alkaline detergents for washing
Resistant to dilute mineral acids These can be dyed easily
Susceptible to oxidizing agents Chlorine bleaches damages the fibers strength. Sunlight causes yellowing of white

6. fabrics.
Do not support easy combustion Short times flaming cause only slight burns.
Identification Protein fabrics burn with a peculiar odour similar to that of burning of hair, pulses
(dal) or milk.
Common properties of Mineral Fibers-
Property Significance
Fire proof Useful for making firemen’s dress, fire proof curtains and screens etc.
Resistant to acid Cannot be easily dyed
High pliability Except of asbestos, others, like metals can be drawn into fibers. Asbestos, is a
natural fiber and non-pliable
Identification Do not burn at all.
Common properties of Man-made Fibers-
Property Significance
High strength and resistance to abrasions Resistant to pulling and rubbing during weaving, washing and wearing
Strong when wet (except acetate) No tearing due to abrasions during washing
High resiliency, elasticity and elongation Less wrinkles after washing and wearing, maintain air spaces for warmth
Low moisture absorption Easily washable, easy spot removing and quick drying
Low affinity for dyes Difficult to dye and stain
Low heat resistance Melt with hot ironing or touch with hot objects
High heat setting Good for embossed designing and easy for plant setting
High resistance to moths, mildew and
insects
Less storage problems
Identification Readily burns and melts giving a distinct plastic burning odour