What is a Fiber?

Fiber is a type of material having continuous filaments and somewhat similar to lengths of thread. They can either be spun or twisted into yarns or can also be directly compressed into fabric.

The textile, home furnishing industry makes used of many different types of fibers as its raw materials. There are a number of factors influencing the development and utilization of all different fibers. These include:

• Ability to be spun
• Availability in sufficient quantity
• Economy of production
• Properties desired for manufacturing a particular product.

Kinds of Fiber

Fibers can be classified into:

• Natural Fiber: These fibers can be sourced from plants, animals and minerals.
  
  Types of natural fibers:
   - Vegetable Fibers
   - Animal Fibers
   - Mineral Fibers
  
  
• Man Made Fiber: These fibers include cellulosic and non cellulosic polymer fibers. The fibers can also be sourced from mineral fibers, metallic fibers and rubber fibers.