NATURAL FIBERS

      Cellulosic fibers - derived from a plant source
      Protein fibers - derived from an animal source
 

     Cellulosic                                                                       Protein
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       CottonCotton Incorporated                             Silk
       Flax                                                                      Sheep’s wool
       Ramie                                                                  Specialty wools
       Jute
       Hemp
       Specialty cellulosics
 
 

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     Manufactured Fibers      American Fiber Manufacturers Association
 

       Cellulosic                                                    Synthetic                     High Performance                        Inorganic
                                                                                                                synthetic

            Rayon                                                    Nylon                         Aramid (Nomex, Kevlar)           glass
                  Acetate                                               Polyester                     PBI                                           metallic
                   Lyocell                                               Olefin                           Sulfar
                                                                              Acrylic
                                                                               Spandex
                                                                               Modacylic
                                                                                Saran
                                                                               Others
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    Fibers are formed from compounds made of Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O) and other elements such as
     Nitrogen (N) or sulfur (S).

     The atoms from these elements combine to form polymers.  The internal structure of a fiber  is make up of these
     polymers formed into molecules.

     IF the fiber has randomly arranged polymers (molecules) it is amorphous.  If the molecules are less random and more
     ordered, it is crystalline.
     (SEE DIAGRAMS ON PAGES 36 AND 37 OF YOUR TEXTBOOK

 Know the differences    Properties of amorphous/crystalline polymer arrangement in fibers

     Amorphous                                                              Crystalline

     Weaker than crystalline                                                    Strong
     Hydrophilic  (absorb water)                                            Hydrophobic (do not absorb)
     Flexible                                                                          Less flexible, more rigid
     Not resilient, wrinkle easily and do not recover                Resilient