Natural Fibres: Types, Classification, Properties and Uses

What is Natural Fibre?

Natural fibre is defined as fibrous plant material produced as a result of photosynthesis. These fibres are sometimes referred to as vegetable, biomass, photomass, phytomass, agromass, solarmass or photosynthetic fibres. Natural fibres are obtained from natural resources such as plants, animals, and minerals. Natural fibres have been used by humans for thousands of years to make clothing, shelter, and other essential items. These fibres are known for their durability, biodegradability, and renewability. They are also often considered to be more environmentally friendly than synthetic fibres, which are made from petroleum products. Natural fibres can be used in clothing, home textiles, industrial textiles and many more applications.

Classification of Natural Fibres:

Natural fibres can be classified based on their origin, which includes plant, animal and mineral fibres.

1. Plant fibres: Plant fibres are obtained from the stem, leaves, and bark of various plants. Examples include cotton, hemp, flax, jute, ramie, bamboo, and sisal.
2. Animal fibres: These fibres are obtained from the hair, fleece, or silk of various animals. Examples include wool, silk, alpaca, llama, and angora rabbit.
3. Mineral fibres: Mineral fibres are obtained from minerals. Examples include asbestos and glass fibres.
4. Microorganism fibres: Those are obtained from microorganisms, such as algae and bacteria.
5. Cellulosic fibres: These fibres are made from cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls. Examples include cotton, flax, and hemp.
6. Protein fibres: These fibres are made from protein, and are typically obtained from animals. Examples include wool and silk.
7. Natural composite fibres: Composite fibres are made from a combination of different materials, such as wood fibres mixed with resin, or coconut fibres mixed with rubber.

Types of Natural Fibres:

There are many types of natural fibres, each with their own unique properties and uses. Here are some examples of common natural fibres:

1. Cotton: One of the most widely used natural fibres, cotton is known for its softness, breathability, and absorbency. It is used to make clothing, home textiles, and industrial fabrics.
2. Wool: Derived from the hair of sheep, wool fibres are naturally crimped, providing insulation and elasticity. It is used to make clothing, blankets, and carpets.
3. Silk: Produced by silkworms, silk fibres are smooth and lustrous, making them popular for clothing and home textiles.
4. Hemp: A strong, durable fibre made from the stem of the hemp plant, used for rope and other industrial applications.
5. Flax: Fibres from the flax plant are strong and stiff, and are used to make linen fabrics.
6. Jute: Jute is a natural vegetable fibre which is produced from the stem of the plant Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis.
7. Ramie: Ramie is a natural vegetable fibre which is made from the stem of the plant Boehmeria nivea.
8. Coir: Coir is a natural fibre that comes from the husk of coconuts.
9. Sisal: Sisal is a natural fibre that comes from the leaves of the Agave sisalana plant.
10. Bamboo: Bamboo fibres are strong and durable, and are often used in textiles and building materials.
11. Alpaca, Llama and Angora rabbit: Fibres obtained from these animals are used for making clothing, blankets, and other textile products.
12. Wood: Fibres obtained from trees and other woody plants can be used to make a wide variety of products, including paper and building materials.
13. Seaweed and Shells: Natural fibers can be obtained from seaweed and shells, used for making textiles, rope, and other products.

Properties of Natural Fibres:

Properties of natural fibres include:

• Biodegradable: Natural fibres can decompose naturally, reducing the environmental impact of disposing of them.
• Renewable: These are produced from plants and animals that can be replenished.
• Absorbent: Natural fibers can absorb moisture and release it again, making them comfortable to wear in warm and humid climates.
• Strong and durable: They are strong and durable, making them suitable for a variety of applications.
• Insulative: Natural fibres can provide insulation, helping to keep the body warm in cold weather.

However, natural fibres also have some drawbacks:

• Shrinkage: Natural fibre can shrink when exposed to heat or moisture, leading to changes in the fit and shape of clothing and other products made from them.
• Wrinkling: These fibres can wrinkle easily and may require ironing or steaming to restore their shape.
• Pilling: Fabric from natural fibers can pill, or form small balls on the surface, after repeated wear and washing.
• Cost: More expensive than synthetic fibres due to the cost of growing and harvesting them.

Uses of Natural Fibres:

Natural fibres have a wide range of uses due to their unique properties and characteristics. Some examples include:

1. Textiles: Natural fibres like cotton, wool, silk, and linen are commonly used to make clothing, bedding, and other textiles. They are also used in the production of nonwoven fabrics, technical textiles and industrial textiles.
2. Rope and twine: Hemp, jute, and sisal are strong and durable, making them ideal for use in rope and twine.
3. Paper: Wood, bamboo, and hemp are used to make paper products, such as books, newspapers, and packaging materials.
4. Building materials: Bamboo, hemp, and flax fiber can be used to make building materials like insulation, flooring, and roofing materials.
5. Biocomposites: Natural fibres can be used as reinforcement in biocomposites materials, like wood-plastic composites, natural fibre reinforced plastics, and natural fibre reinforced concrete.
6. Agriculture: Coir and sisal fibers are used to make twine and rope for agricultural applications, such as tying plants to stakes or trellises, and for making biodegradable mulch mats.
7. Automotive: Natural fibres like flax and hemp are used in the automotive industry as reinforcement in biocomposite materials in the body and interior of the cars.
8. Personal Care: Bamboo, hemp and cotton are used in the production of sanitary products, wipes, and other personal care items.
9. Industrial Products: Jute, sisal, and coir are used for making various industrial products such as mats, geotextiles, and abrasive products.
10. Home Textile: Bamboo, seagrass, and sisal are used to make home décor items like rugs, baskets, and placemats.
11. Fashion Accessories: Silk, wool and alpaca are used to make fashionable accessories like scarfs, hats, and gloves.
12. Sports and recreation: Hemp and bamboo are used to make gear such as skateboards, snowboards, and surfboards.

As the technology advances, new applications are constantly being developed, making natural fibres increasingly valuable and versatile.

References:

1. Principles of Spinning: Fibres and Blow Room Cotton Processing in Spinning by Ashok R. Khare
2. Textile Raw Materials By Ajay Jindal and Rakesh Jindal
3. Textile Engineering – An Introduction Edited by Yasir Nawab
4. Fibres to Fabrics by Bev Ashford

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1. Classification of Textile Fibres
2. Cotton Fibre: Types, Properties and Uses
3. Animal Fibres: Properties, Types and Uses

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