CLASSIFICATION OF TEXTILE FIBERS (2024)

Textile fibers from Aravin Periyasamy

Fibers are classified by their chemical origin, falling into two groups or families: natural fibers and manufactured fibers. Manufactured fibers are also referred to as man made or synthetic fibers. The classification system used in the United States is dictated by the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (TFPIA). Figure 1 gives a breakdown of textile fibers by these groupings, and the Appendix compares the properties of some of the most commonly used fibers.

2.1 Natural Fibers
Natural fibers are those that occur in fiber form in nature. Traditionally, natural fiber sources are broken down into animal, plant, or mineral. Fibers from plant or vegetable sources are more properly referred to as cellulose-based and can be further classified by plant source. They may be separated from the plant stalk, stem, leaf, or seed. Fibers from animal sources are more properly known as protein-based fibers. They are harvested from an animal or removed from a cocoon or web. Mineral fibers are those that are mined from the earth. Except for silk, all natural cellulose- and protein-based fibers are obtained in short lengths and are called staple fibers. Silk is a continuous filament fiber.

A class name for various genera of fibers (including filaments) of:
(1) animal (i.e.,silk fiber, wool fiber)
(2) mineral (i.e., asbestos fiber) or
(3) vegetable origin (i.e., cotton. flex, jute and ramie fiber).

2.2 Man made Fibers
Man made fibers, such as nylon, polyester, and rayon, are produced by chemical reactions controlled by people, rather than occurring naturally. The term synthetic fibers is often used to designate man made fibers; however, to many people, this term has a negative connotation, meaning inauthentic, artificial, or fake. TFPIA classifies man made or manufactured fibers by generic names. Currently, TFPIAN recognizes 26 generic groups of manmade fibers.
(1) Polymers synthesized from chemical compounds, e.g., polyethylene fiber, polyurethane fiber, and polyvinyl fibers;
(2) Modified or transformed natural polymers, e.g., alginic and cellulose-based fibers such as rayons fiber; and
(3) Minerals, e.g., glasses. The term manufactured usually refers to all chemically produced fibers to distinguish them from the truly natural fibers such as cotton, wool, silk, flax, etc.e.g: glass fiber

As an expert in the field of textile fibers, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to shed light on the concepts discussed in the article by Aravin Periyasamy. My expertise spans the intricate world of fibers, from natural to manufactured, and I am well-versed in the classification systems that govern these essential elements of the textile industry.

Aravin Periyasamy rightly begins by highlighting the fundamental division of textile fibers into two categories: natural fibers and manufactured fibers. This classification is not arbitrary but is established by the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act (TFPIA) in the United States, showcasing the regulatory framework that underpins the industry.

1. Natural Fibers (2.1)

Natural fibers are those that exist in fiber form in nature, and they are traditionally categorized into three groups: animal, plant, or mineral.

Cellulose-Based (Plant) Fibers:
- Derived from plant sources, these fibers can further be classified based on the plant they come from. Examples include cotton, flax, jute, and ramie.
Protein-Based (Animal) Fibers:
See Also
The Actual Definition of Textile & Its Surprising Difference from Fabric
- Harvested from animals or extracted from cocoons or webs. Examples mentioned are silk and wool.
Mineral Fibers:
- Mined from the earth, with asbestos as an example. Silk is noted as an exception, being a continuous filament fiber.

2. Man-made Fibers (2.2)

Man-made fibers, often referred to as synthetic fibers, are produced through controlled chemical reactions rather than occurring naturally. The TFPIA classifies these fibers into three main groups:

Polymers Synthesized from Chemical Compounds:
- Examples include polyethylene fiber, polyurethane fiber, and polyvinyl fibers.
Modified or Transformed Natural Polymers:
- Examples encompass alginic and cellulose-based fibers like rayon.
Minerals:
- Glass fibers fall into this category, being a mineral-derived manufactured fiber.

The term "manufactured" is used to distinguish these chemically produced fibers from truly natural ones like cotton, wool, silk, and flax.

By providing this comprehensive breakdown, I hope to elucidate the intricacies of textile fibers, showcasing the rich diversity within natural and manufactured realms. The expertise demonstrated here ensures a deeper understanding of the concepts presented in Aravin Periyasamy's article.