Types of Fibre

Question 1

What are the properties of a staple fibre?

Answer 1

1. Short fibre.

2. Creates hairy, insulating yarns.

Question 2

What are the properties of natural fibres?

Answer 2

1. Usually staple (with the exception of silk)
2. Contain natural moisture (less prone to static)
3. Come from renewable resources (cellulose or animal proteins)
4. Tend to be absorbent and cool to wear.

Question 3

What are the properties of regenerated fibres?

Answer 3

1. Produced from natural sources but using chemicals and industrial processes.
2. Weak.
3. Absorbent.
4. Produced as continuous filaments.

Question 4

What are the properties of synthetic fibres?

Answer 4

1. Produced as filament fibres but can be cut.
2. No natural moisture (prone to static)
3. Thermoplastics can be heat set.
4. Made from non-renewable resources like petrochemicals.
5. Fibres can be moulded to change their properties.

Question 5

What are the properties of a filament fibre?

Answer 5

1. Long and continuous.
2. Runs the length of the yarn.
3. Creates smooth yarns.

Question 6

What are the properties of microfibres?

Answer 6

1. Specifically developed to create fabrics with specific aesthetic/performance properties.
2. 60-100 times finer than human hair.
3. Strong.
4. Lightweight.
5. Soft, sheer appearance.
6. Excellent drape.
7. Can be heat-set into crimps and loops for warmth.

Question 7

What polymer are vegetable fibres made from?

Answer 7

Cellulose, a glucose polymer.

Question 8

What polymer are animal fibres made from?

Answer 8

Keratin, a protein polymer.

Question 9

What polymer are regenerated fibres made from?

Answer 9

Cellulose, chemically extracted from wood pulp.

Question 10

What are synthetic fibres made from?

Answer 10

Polymerised petrochemicals

Question 11

What are the four thermoplastic fibres?

Answer 11

1. Acrylic.
2. Polyamide.
3. Polyester.