The clothes we wear every day, household textiles, and industrial materials are made from textile fibers. These fibers are the fundamental units of fabrics and are classified into two main families: natural and chemical.

Classification of Textile Fibers

1. Natural Fibers

These are obtained directly from nature and may have animal, plant, or mineral origin.

ANIMAL ORIGIN	PLANT ORIGIN	MINERAL ORIGIN
Wool, Silk, Hair, Cashmere, Mohair, Alpaca, Camel	Cotton, Linen, Jute, Esparto, Hemp	Glass, Metallic fibers

Animal Origin

They are extracted from the hair, cocoons, or secretions of certain animals.

Wool: Obtained from shearing sheep and rams. It is warm, elastic, and absorbent.
Silk: Obtained from the silkworm (Bombyx mori). It is fine, shiny, and strong.
Cashmere: Comes from the Cashmere goat. It is lightweight, very soft, and warm.
Mohair: From the Angora goat. It is shiny, silky, and strong.
Alpaca: Comes from the alpaca. It is warm, lightweight, and hypoallergenic.
Camel: Obtained from camel hair. It is warm and strong.

Plant Origin

They are obtained from seeds, stems, leaves, or fruits of plants.

Cotton: Comes from the seeds of the Gossypium genus. It is soft, strong, and absorbent.
Linen: Obtained from the stem of the Linum usitatissimum plant. It is strong, cool, and high quality.
Jute: Extracted from the stem of the jute plant. It is coarse, strong, and inexpensive.
Hemp: Obtained from the stem of the Cannabis sativa plant. It is very strong and sustainable.
Esparto: Extracted from the leaves of the esparto plant. Used in rugs and ropes.

Mineral Origin

They are derived from natural inorganic materials.

Fiberglass: Obtained from molten glass. It is resistant to fire and heat.
Silicon fiber: Withstands temperatures up to 1000°C. Used in fireproof fabrics.

2. Chemical Fibers

These are produced through industrial processes and can be of two types: artificial or synthetic.

ARTIFICIAL FIBERS	SYNTHETIC FIBERS
Viscose, Lyocell, Alginate, Cellulose Acetate	Polyester, Polyamide, Carbon fiber, Acrylics, Elastomers

Artificial Fibers

They are obtained by transforming cellulose from trees.

Viscose Rayon: Derived from wood cellulose. It is soft and shiny.
Modal: Similar to viscose, but stronger and more elastic.
Lyocell: Eco-friendly fibers derived from cellulose. They are strong and biodegradable.
Mohair: From the Angora goat. It is shiny, silky, and strong.
Cellulose Acetate: Obtained from cellulose treated with acetic acid. It is shiny and lightweight.
Alginates: Derived from algae, used in medical textiles.

Synthetic Fibers

They are produced from petroleum derivatives through chemical synthesis processes.

Polyester: Known for its strength, quick drying, and low water absorption.
Polyamide (Nylon): Strong, elastic, and abrasion-resistant.
Acrylic: Resembles wool and is warm, lightweight, and durable.
Elastane (Spandex, Lycra): Highly elastic, used in sportswear.
Carbon Fiber: Extremely strong and lightweight. Used in technical fabrics.
Aramids (Kevlar, Nomex): Fire-resistant and heat-resistant fibers. Used in protective clothing.

Fundamental Properties of Textile Fibers

Each fiber, whether natural or chemical, has characteristics that influence its behavior and the quality of the final product. The main ones are:

Abrasion resistance: Ability to withstand wear from friction.
Pilling: Tendency to form small balls or knots on the fabric surface.
Luster: Intensity of light reflection, depending on the fiber’s structure.
Elasticity: Ease with which it returns to shape after being stretched.
Water absorption: Affects garment comfort; the higher the absorption, the greater the comfort.
Light action: Effects of sun exposure, such as yellowing or loss of strength.
Fineness and length: Determine the softness of the fabric and its strength.
Color: Affects dyeing, printing, and bleaching capacity.

Depending on their origin, fibers have particular characteristics that determine their different uses.

Natural Fibers:

Cotton

It is the most important natural fiber, obtained from the seeds of plants of the Gossypium genus. Its fibers vary in length, maturity, and fineness. To improve appearance and functionality, cotton can undergo mercerization, a caustic soda treatment that gives it greater luster, absorption, and strength.

Use: Employed in clothing, bedding, and industrial textiles.
Behavior in fire: Burns easily, but can be given flame-retardant treatments.

Jute

Extracted from the stems of the jute plant, which can reach up to three meters in height. It is the second most used plant fiber after cotton and shares many of its properties.

Use: Used in sacks, ropes, packaging, and decoration.
Drawback: Its natural brown color limits dyeing to dark shades.

Linen

Obtained from plants of the Linaceae family. Although less used due to its high production cost, it is valued for its strength and freshness.

Use: Making light garments and home textiles.
Drawback: Wrinkles easily, so it is blended with synthetic fibers for easier care.

Wool

Obtained from shearing sheep and rams. Its main characteristic is its excellent thermal insulation, making it ideal for winter garments.

Use: Coats, sweaters, and high-quality textiles.
Drawback: Tends to shrink (felting), requiring special treatments to prevent it.

Silk

Comes from the silkworm (Bombyx mori), which produces a continuous fiber called fibroin. Its luster and softness make it highly valued in the textile industry.

Use: Elegant clothing, tapestries, and luxury textiles.
Drawback: Fine fiber (10-20 microns) with characteristic luster.

Mineral Fibers:

GLASS FIBER

Obtained from melted glass and noted for its heat resistance.

SILICON FIBER

Can withstand temperatures up to 1000°C.

Artificial Fibers:

Viscose Rayon: Derived from wood cellulose (eucalyptus). Shrinks after washing.

Modal: Similar to viscose but stronger and higher quality.

Alginates: Derived from algae, used in medical textiles.

Synthetic Fibers:

Polyester: Derived from petroleum, characterized by low moisture absorption and high strength.

Polyamide (Nylon): Strong, elastic, and abrasion-resistant.

Acrylic: Resembles wool and is warm, lightweight, and durable.

Elastane: Obtained by modifying polyesters to create elastic threads, used in sportswear, swimwear, and orthopedic fabrics.

Carbon Fiber: Extremely strong and lightweight. Used in technical textiles.

Aramids (Kevlar, Nomex): Fire-resistant and heat-resistant fibers. Used in protective clothing.

Fiber Identification by Flame Behavior

Cellulosic fibers (cotton, linen, rayon): Burn with an open flame and smell like burning paper.

Protein fibers (wool, silk): Self-extinguish and release a smell similar to burning horn.

Synthetic fibers (polyester, polyamide): Melt forming a hard bead and smell like burning plastic.

Most Common Textile Fiber Abbreviations

Abbreviation	Fiber		Abbreviation	Fiber
AT	Aramid		PES	Polyester
AS	Antistatic fiber		PP	Polypropylene
CA	Acetate, Acetate Rayon	&

The Fibers