Fabrics Around Us | Class 11 Home Science Notes

CLASSIFICATION OF TEXTILE FIBRES

Textile fibres are classified based on their origin, chemical composition, generic types, and trade names. The primary classification is into natural fibres and manufactured (man-made) fibres. Natural fibres come from plants (cellulosic), animals (protein), minerals, or natural rubber. Cellulosic fibres include seed hair fibres like cotton and kapok, bast fibres like flax (linen), hemp, and jute, leaf fibres such as pineapple and sisal, and nut husk fibres like coir from coconut. Protein fibres include animal hair (wool from sheep, goat, camel) and animal secretions like silk. Mineral fibres include asbestos, and natural rubber is also considered a natural fibre. Manufactured fibres are produced by converting raw materials into fibres through chemical and mechanical processes. The first manufactured fibre was rayon, produced in 1895, made by regenerating cellulose to mimic silk. Manufactured fibres are categorized as regenerated cellulosic (rayon types), modified cellulosic (acetate), protein fibres (azlon), synthetic non-cellulosic fibres (nylon, polyester, acrylic, modacrylic, spandex, rubber), and mineral fibres (glass fibre, metallic fibres like lurex). Fibres may also be staple (short length) or filament (long continuous length). This classification helps in understanding fibre properties, processing, and end uses.

📊 Diagram: Figure 2 (Spinnerettes): Shows a thimble-shaped nozzle with multiple tiny holes through which spinning solution is extruded to form filaments in manufactured fibre production.

🔗 Connection: Leads to detailed discussion on yarns and their processing from fibres.