What Are the Types of Fabrics Based on Fibre Source
Fibers are a continuous chain of molecules that are considered to be filamentous in shape and are also a discrete elongated piece, similar to lengths of thread. There are many types of fibers and it has vast uses in our daily life. In biology they also have significance. Fibers help to hold tissues together in both plants and animals. Fibers are obtained from different sources. Fibers are spun into filaments, string or rope. It can be used as a component of composite materials or matted into sheets to make products like paper. Organic fibers that are found in vegetables and foods are non-digestible.
Types of Fiber
Based on the source of fiber it can be classified into two types.
Natural Fiber- It is the type of fiber that is obtained naturally from living organisms or by geological processes. These fibers are biodegradable over time. These fibers are comparatively expensive and are less available.
Artificial Fiber- It is the type of fiber that is man-made, such as petrochemicals. Some of the artificial fibers are made up of natural cellulose, like rayon, modal, and lyocell. Most of the artificial fibers are non-biodegradable.
Different Types of Fiber
Based on the constituent of the fibers, we can further divide the Natural fibers and artificial fibers as follows
Based on the utilization of fiber producing plants are divided into two types. The plants, which are grown mainly to obtain fiber is called primary plants, they have higher fiber content in them. On the other we can get fibers as a bi-product from some plants, these plants are known as secondary plants.
Based on botanical type natural fibers can be divided into five types.
Bast Type Fiber
Example- JuteLeaf Fiber – This is mainly obtained from sword-shaped leaves which are thick, fleshy, and hard surfaces, such as plants of the agave family.
Example –HenequenSeed Fibre – Fibres that are obtained from seed known as seed fiber. Cotton fiber is very essential and it’s widely used in the textile industry.
Example – CottonGrass and Reed Fiber – Reeds and grasses are grown naturally in marshy lands and are used to make a variety of baskets, mats, and floor coverings.
Wood and Roots Fiber – This type of fiber is usually extracted from the trees, they have high cellulose content.
Natural fibers are obtained from animals which mainly consist of a particular protein. All animals do not have the same property and within the species, the fiber is not consistent.
Example: Wool, Silk.
Artificial fibers are made by the process of polymerization. The artificial fibers which are completely made up of the chemically derived compound are known as purely synthetic fibers and the fibers which are produced by using a natural polymer as raw material is known as semi-synthetic fibers.
Example of semi-synthetic fibers is Rayon
Example of synthetic fibers are nylon, polyester, acrylic
Properties of Fiber
We can observe different properties based on the constituent of the particular fiber.
All the botanical fibers have a density of approximately 1.5gm/m3. Among the botanical fibers, bast fiber is the strongest.
Natural fiber has low weight, high specific strength, and high specific stiffness. As these fibers are biodegradable so they are also eco-friendly.
Animal fibers have a significant value in the textile industry. This fiber shows a variety of morphological character and is made up of proteins. Almost all animal hair is made up of the protein called Keratin.
Artificial fibers are very strong. Synthetic fibers are more durable and wrinkle-resistant than silk or wool so it is used in the textile industry as a substituent. Synthetic fibers absorb less water than silk or cotton.
Fabric use
The fabric has many uses in our daily life. Clothing, bags, apparel, accessories like hats, shoes, scarves, carpets, curtains all are made up of fabric.
Fabrics are also used for medical purposes as bandages and to dress up the wound.
Some of the fabrics are considered luxurious materials, like silk or muslin.
Different Types of Fibers and Their Uses
Uses of Botanical Fibers - Lenzing lyocell fibers are used to support the hops in the growing process or in shellfish farming. This fiber is also used on a large scale as they are disposable.
Uses of Animal Fiber – We get wool from domestic sheep, alpaca fiber, and mohair from angora goats and they are used to make clothing by hand spinners.
Uses of Synthetic Fiber – It is used in making ropes, seatbelts, wrinkle-free, and easily washable clothes.
FAQs on Variety in Fabrics and Their Sources
1. What is variety in fabrics in biology?
Variety in fabrics refers to the different types of cloth materials made from various natural and synthetic fibres. Fabrics differ based on:
- The source of fibre (plant, animal, or synthetic)
- The texture (smooth, rough, soft)
- The thickness and strength
- The weaving or knitting method
This variety helps us choose suitable fabrics for clothing, climate, and purpose.
2. What are the main sources of fibres used to make fabrics?
The main sources of fibres used in fabrics are plants, animals, and synthetic materials. These include:
- Plant fibres – cotton (from cotton plant), jute (from jute plant)
- Animal fibres – wool (from sheep), silk (from silkworm)
- Synthetic fibres – nylon, polyester, acrylic (man-made)
Each source produces fibres with different properties and uses.
3. What is the difference between natural fibres and synthetic fibres?
The main difference between natural fibres and synthetic fibres is their source and method of production.
- Natural fibres come from plants and animals (e.g., cotton, wool, silk).
- Synthetic fibres are made artificially from chemicals in factories (e.g., nylon, polyester).
Natural fibres are usually biodegradable, while synthetic fibres are generally more durable and less biodegradable.
4. How are fabrics made from fibres?
Fabrics are made from fibres through the processes of spinning, weaving, or knitting.
- Spinning – fibres are twisted together to form yarn.
- Weaving – two sets of yarn are interlaced at right angles.
- Knitting – a single yarn is looped repeatedly.
These processes convert raw fibres into usable cloth materials.
5. Why do fabrics feel different from each other?
Fabrics feel different because they are made from different types of fibres and have different structures.
- Cotton is soft and breathable.
- Wool is warm and slightly rough.
- Silk is smooth and shiny.
- Polyester is smooth and strong.
The fibre thickness, texture, and weaving method affect how a fabric feels on the skin.
6. What are plant fibres and can you give examples?
Plant fibres are fibres obtained from different parts of plants and are used to make fabrics.
- Cotton – obtained from the cotton plant’s fruit
- Jute – obtained from the stem of the jute plant
- Linen – obtained from the flax plant
Plant fibres are commonly used in summer clothing because they absorb sweat and allow air circulation.
7. What are animal fibres and where do they come from?
Animal fibres are fibres obtained from the hair, fur, or cocoon of animals.
- Wool – obtained from the fleece of sheep and other animals like goats and yaks
- Silk – obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm
Animal fibres are protein-based and are often used for warm or luxury clothing.
8. Why is cotton preferred in summer?
Cotton is preferred in summer because it absorbs sweat and allows air to pass through easily.
- It is made of cotton fibres from plants.
- It is soft and breathable.
- It helps cool the body by absorbing moisture.
This makes cotton fabric comfortable in hot and humid weather.
9. What is weaving and how does it produce different types of fabrics?
Weaving is the process of arranging two sets of yarn at right angles to form fabric.
- One set is called the warp (lengthwise threads).
- The other set is called the weft (crosswise threads).
Different weaving patterns produce fabrics with different textures, thickness, and strength.
10. How does the source of fibre affect the properties of fabric?
The source of fibre determines the strength, texture, durability, and absorbency of the fabric.
- Plant fibres are usually soft and absorbent.
- Animal fibres are warm and elastic.
- Synthetic fibres are strong, lightweight, and wrinkle-resistant.
Therefore, the biological origin of fibres directly influences the variety and properties of fabrics.
