What are Animal Fibres?
Animal fibres are protein based, the complex material which most of animal body is made of. Animal fibers are fibres obtained from the hair or fur of animals, and are used in textile production to create a wide range of products such as clothing, carpets, and upholstery. The most common animal fibres used in textile production are wool, alpaca, mohair, cashmere, camel hair, llama, angora, yak, qiviut, and vicuna.
Animal fibres are in the form of hair (wool) or filament (silk). Human hair also falls under this category. However, its thickness and surface characteristics prohibit coherence to neighbouring fibres. Hence, it cannot be bundled into rope-like structure even though it is very strong.
Properties of Animal Fibres:
Animal fibres have a variety of properties that make them useful in textile production and other industries. Some of the main properties of animal fibres include:
- Warmth: Many animal fibres, such as wool and cashmere, are excellent insulators and provide warmth even when wet. This makes them ideal for use in clothing and other textiles that will be worn in cold weather.
- Softness: Some animal fibres, such as cashmere and alpaca, are known for their softness, which makes them ideal for use in clothing and other textiles that will be worn next to the skin.
- Moisture-wicking: Some animal fibres, such as alpaca and mohair, have moisture-wicking properties, which means they can absorb and release moisture away from the skin, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable.
- Durability: Many animal fibres, such as wool and cashmere, are known for their durability, which makes them ideal for use in textiles that will be subjected to frequent wear and tear.
- Elasticity: Many animal fibres, such as wool, have a natural elasticity, which means they can stretch and recover their shape, making them ideal for use in textiles that require a certain amount of give, such as knitwear.
- Flame-Retardant: Some animal fibres, such as wool, are naturally flame-retardant, which means they can resist catching fire. This makes them ideal for use in textiles that will be used in high-risk environments.
- Dyeability: Many animal fibres take dye easily and hold color well, which makes them ideal for use in textiles that require a specific color or pattern.
- Hypoallergenic: Some animal fibres like Alpaca and cashmere are hypoallergenic, which means they do not irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions, making them ideal for use in clothing and other textiles that will be worn next to the skin.
Types of Animal Fibres:
There are several types of animal fibres. They are described below:
1. Wool fibre: Wool is obtained from the hair of sheep, goats, and other animals. It is known for its warmth, elasticity, and durability. It is a natural insulator, meaning it helps to keep the body warm and is also naturally flame resistant. Wool fibres have a natural crimp, which makes them springy and resilient, and allows them to be spun into yarns that are strong and elastic.
2. Alpaca: Alpaca fibre is obtained from the hair of the alpaca, a mammal native to South America. It is known for its softness, warmth, and hypoallergenic properties. Alpaca fibres are finer and stronger than sheep’s wool and have less lanolin, which makes them hypoallergenic. Alpaca fibres are naturally water-repellent and insulating, making them a great choice for outdoor clothing and accessories.
3. Mohair: Mohair is obtained from the hair of the Angora goat. It is known for its silky texture and sheen. Mohair fibres are naturally strong, resilient, and moisture-wicking, making them a great choice for clothing and home decor.
4. Cashmere: Cashmere is obtained from the undercoat of the Cashmere goat. It is known for its softness, warmth, and durability. Cashmere fibres are finer, stronger, and lighter than sheep’s wool, making them a luxurious choice for clothing and accessories.
5. Camel Hair: Camel Hair is obtained from the hair of camels. It is known for its warmth, softness, and water-resistance. Camel hair fibres are naturally insulating and have a unique ability to wick away moisture, making them a great choice for outdoor clothing and accessories.
6. Llama fibre: Llama fibres are obtained from the hair of llamas. It is known for its warmth, strength, and durability. Llama fibres are naturally insulating and have a unique ability to wick away moisture, making them a great choice for outdoor clothing and accessories.
7. Angora fibre: Angora fibres are obtained from the hair of the Angora rabbit. It is known for its softness, warmth, and high insulating properties. Angora fibres are naturally lightweight and fluffy, making them a great choice for clothing and accessories.
8. Yak fibre: Yak fibres are obtained from the hair of yaks. It is known for its warmth, strength, and water-resistance. Yak fibres are naturally insulating and have a unique ability to wick away moisture, making them a great choice for outdoor clothing and accessories.
9. Qiviut fibre: Qiviut fibres are obtained from the underwool of the muskox. it is known for its warmth and softness. Qiviut fibres are 8 times warmer than sheep wool and are one of the softest natural fibres.
10. Vicuna fibre: Vicuna fibres are obtained from the hair of the vicuna. It is known for its warmth, softness, and rarity. Vicuna fibres are considered one of the finest and softest natural fibres in the world.
All these fibres have unique properties that make them suitable for different types of clothing, accessories, and home decor. They can be spun into yarns and used to knit or weave fabrics, which can be dyed, printed, or embroidered.
Uses of Animal Fibres:
Animal fibres have a wide variety of uses in textile production and other industries. Some of the most common uses of animal fibres are given below:
a) Clothing: Wool, cashmere, alpaca, mohair, and other fibres are used to make a wide range of clothing items such as sweaters, coats, pants, dresses, and suits. Wool is a natural insulator, making it ideal for use in winter clothing. Cashmere is known for its softness and warmth, making it ideal for use in sweaters and other types of clothing. Alpaca and mohair fibres are known for their softness, warmth, and moisture-wicking properties, making them ideal for use in outdoor clothing.
b) Home decor: Animal fibres are used in the production of home decor items such as carpets, rugs, blankets, and upholstery. Wool fibres are known for their durability and resilience, making them ideal for use in carpets and rugs. Cashmere fibres are known for their softness and warmth, making them ideal for use in blankets and other types of home decor.
c) Footwear: Animal fibres such as wool and alpaca are used in the production of footwear such as woolen socks, slippers, boots, and other types of shoes. These fibres are known for their warmth and moisture-wicking properties, making them ideal for use in footwear.
d) Accessories: Animal fibres are also used in the production of accessories such as scarves, hats, gloves, and other types of accessories. Wool and cashmere fibres are known for their warmth and softness, making them ideal for use in accessories.
e) Technical Textiles: Animal fibres like wool and cashmere are used in the production of technical textiles such as flame-retardant and moisture-wicking clothing. Wool fibres are naturally flame-retardant, while cashmere fibres are naturally moisture-wicking, making them ideal for use in technical textiles.
f) Industrial uses: Animal fibres are also used in the production of industrial products such as rope, twine, and insulation. Wool fibres are known for their strength and elasticity, making them ideal for use in rope and twine. Wool fibres are also used as insulation in buildings and other types of structures.
References:
- Principles of Spinning: Fibres and Blow Room Cotton Processing in Spinning by Ashok R. Khare
- Textile Engineering – An Introduction Edited by Yasir Nawab
- Fibres to Fabrics by Bev Ashford
- Textile Engineering By Roxanna Cody
- Textile Chemistry By Thomas Bechtold and Tung Pham
- Textile Technology: An Introduction, Second Edition by Thomas Gries, Dieter Veit, and Burkhard Wulfhorst
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