Fibres are the basic or fundamental units of textiles—long, thin, and flexible strands of material. They can make up a huge number of products: from apparel and home textiles to industrial applications. The characteristics of a fibre—length, diameter, strength, elasticity, and chemical composition—determine the nature of the ensuing yarn. The following article elaborates on the definition of fibres, their classification, and an overview of the various types available.

Definition of Fibre

A fibre is a discrete unit of matter with a high length-to-width ratio, capable of being converted into a textile product. The term includes a very broad spectrum of raw materials, both natural and synthetic, organic and inorganic. The fibres may be classified based on several criteria. They may be classified based on their origin, chemical composition, and their physical properties.

Classification of Fibres

Based on Origin

• Natural Fibres: These fibres are obtained from plants, animals, or minerals.
• Plant Fibres: Derived from the stems, leaves, or fruits of plants. Examples include cotton, linen, jute, and hemp.
• Animal Fibres: Derived from animals, generally from their hair or cocoons. Examples include wool, silk, cashmere, and alpaca.
• Mineral Fibres: Derived from minerals. One example would be asbestos; however, its use is now limited since it poses health risks.
• Synthetic Fibres: These fibres are manufactured through chemical processes. They are generally known as man-made fibres. Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and rayon are examples.

Based on Chemical Composition

• Cellulosic Fibres: Cellulose, a complex carbohydrate, is the main constituent. Examples include cotton, linen, and rayon.
• Protein Fibres: Protein is the major constituent. This group includes wool, silk, and cashmere.
• Mineral Fibres: The composition is of inorganic minerals. The best example is asbestos.
• Synthetic Fibres: Those fibres which are produced from synthetic polymers. Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are synthetic fibres.

Based on Physical Properties

• Staple Fibres: Fibres of short length, usually measured in inches or centimetres. Cotton, wool, and most synthetic fibres are staple fibres.
• Filament Fibres: These are long, continuous fibres. Silk and some synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester can be manufactured as filament fibres.

Types of Fibres

Natural Fibres

• Cotton: A staple fibre obtained from the cotton plant. Soft, absorbent, and breathable make it an extensive application in clothing and home textiles. Linen: Flax plant derived staple fibre. With its strength, durability, and lustre, a lot of linen fibre goes into high-end textiles.
• Jute: A staple fibre extracted from the jute plant. Coarse, strong, inexpensive fibre, principally suited to industrial uses like sacks and carpets.
• Hemp: A staple fibre obtained from the hemp plant. Very strong, very absorbent. Currently, it is one of the most sustainable and on-trend fibre choices for fashion and home textiles.
• Wool: Staple fibre obtained from sheep. It is believed to be wonderfully useful in winter clothes and blankets because of its warmth, elasticity, and ability to draw away moisture.
• Silk: A filament fibre produced by silkworms. Known for its luxurious feel, drape, and luster, making it very quickly applied in high fashion and textiles.
• Cashmere: A fine staple fibre obtained from cashmere goats. So soft, warm, and light that it is highly sought as a material in luxury clothes.
• Alpaca: Fine staple fibre from alpaca—a South American camelid. Much like cashmere, it’s soft, warm, and hypoallergenic.

Synthetic Fibres

• Polyester: A strong, durable synthetic fibre with resistance to wrinkling and staining. It is incorporated much into clothing, home textiles, and industrial uses. 
• Nylon: A man-made fibre with high strength, elasticity, and abrasion resistance. These fibres are used in a wide range of products like clothing, carpets, and industrial fabrics.
• Acrylic: A man-made fibre resembling wool in appearance and feel. It is a soft, warm, and inexpensive fibre used extensively in knitwear and blankets.
• Rayon: Cellulose semi-synthetic fibre. Soft, smooth, silky feel. Used in multiple applications as a blend with other fibres for purposes of textile applications.
• Spandex/Elastane: Synthetic fibre with the main property being excellent elasticity. Used as a blend with other fibres for stretches and recoveries of garments.

Fibre Properties and Applications

The choice of fibre for a particular textile depends on the required properties of strength, elasticity, absorbency, and durability, and aesthetic appeal. For example, cotton is preferred because of its softness and breathability in summer clothing. Wool is preferred for winter clothing because it provides warmth. Synthetic fibres like polyester exhibit durability and resistance to wrinkling and thus qualify for various usages.

Conclusion

Fibres are the basic raw materials for the textile industry, covering a very wide range of materials with very diversified properties. Knowledge of the classification of fibres and their characteristics is of prime importance for the selection of the right material for the envisaged application. The newer the technology, the newer fibre developments never stop; innovative and sustainable textile products are created further.