FIBERS AND

TEXTILES

BONDAL, JHON LESTER M.

MANANGAN, JOSHUA BARON A.

TRINIDAD, LANZ AARON L.

VILLASISTA, RALPH CHRISTIAN

F.
WHAT ARE
FIBERS?

Fibers are thin, thread-

like materials that can be
spun into yarns or
threads and are used to
create fabrics, textiles,
and other materials.
They are the basic
building blocks of many
textile products and are
classified into two main
types based on their
origin:
TWO MAIN
TYPES OF
FIBERS:
 1.) Natural Fibers
 2.) Synthetic Fibers
1.) NATURAL
FIBERS
THESE FIBERS ARE DERIVED FROM
NATURAL SOURCES, SUCH AS PLANTS,
ANIMALS, OR MINERALS.
EXAMPLES OF
NATURAL FIBERS ARE:

A.) PLANT-BASED
FIBERS
are natural fibers derived
from plants. These fibers
have been used for
thousands of years in
textiles, ropes, and various
other applications due to
their strength, flexibility,
and biodegradability.

Examples: Cotton, linen

(from flax), jute, and hemp
B). ANIMAL-BASED
FIBERS
 are natural fibers derived
from the hair, fur, or
secretions of animals. These
fibers are known for their
warmth, softness, and ability
to retain heat, making them
ideal for clothing, textiles,
and other uses.

Examples: Wool (from

sheep), silk (from
silkworms), and alpaca.
C.) MINERAL FIBERS

are natural or synthetic fibers that come

from inorganic materials, typically minerals.
These fibers are known for their heat
resistance, durability, and insulation
properties, making them ideal for industrial
and construction applications. Mineral fibers
are non-combustible, which gives them a
significant advantage in fireproofing and
high-temperature environments.

Examples: Asbestos (though its use has

declined due to health risks).
2.) SYNTHETIC
FIBERS
are man-made fibers
produced from chemical
substances, often derived
from petroleum-based
products. Unlike natural
fibers (which come from
plants, animals, or minerals),
synthetic fibers are created
through chemical processes
and are engineered for
specific qualities like
durability, flexibility, and
resistance to wear. They are
widely used in clothing,
home textiles, and industrial
applications due to their
versatility and low cost.
EXAMPLES OF SYNTHETIC
FIBERS ARE:

A.) NYLON
Nylon is a synthetic fiber made
from petrochemicals, first developed
in the 1930s. It is known for its
strength, elasticity, and resistance to
wear, moisture, and chemicals. Nylon
is lightweight and durable, making it
ideal for a wide range of products,
including clothing, stockings, ropes,
and outdoor gear like tents and
parachutes. It also dries quickly,
making it useful in activewear.
Despite its versatility, nylon is non-
biodegradable, contributing to
environmental concerns.
B.) POLYESTER

is one of the most widely

used synthetic fibers, made
from petroleum-based
chemicals. It was first
introduced in the 1940s and
has since become a staple in
the textile industry due to its
versatility, affordability, and
durability. Polyester is created
through a chemical process
called polymerization, where
the raw materials are melted
down and spun into fibers.
C.) ACRYLIC

is a synthetic fiber made from a polymer called

polyacrylonitrile. It was first developed in the 1940s
and is known for its wool-like qualities. Acrylic fibers
are lightweight, soft, and warm, which makes them a
popular substitute for wool in many clothing items
and textiles. They are often used in products like
sweaters, blankets, and scarves, offering a similar
feel to wool without some of the drawbacks, like
itchiness or shrinkage.
D.) SPANDEX
also known as Lycra or
elastane, is a synthetic fiber
known for its exceptional
elasticity. It is made from a
polymer called
polyurethane, which gives
it the ability to stretch up to
5-8 times its original size and
then return to its original
shape. This characteristic
makes spandex a popular
choice in many applications,
particularly in clothing that
requires flexibility and
comfort.
A STEP-BY-STEP BREAKDOWN OF HOW FIBERS ARE CONVERTED INTO TEXTILES, COVERING
BOTH NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC FIBER PRODUCTION, AS WELL AS THE PROCESSES OF
SPINNING, WEAVING, AND KNITTING:

1.) FIBER EXTRACTION OR CREATION (NATURAL VS SYNTHETIC)

•Natural fibers:

• Plant-based fibers: Fibers like cotton, flax (linen), hemp, and jute are extracted
from various parts of plants. For example:
• Cotton is harvested from the seed pod of the cotton plant.
• Flax fibers are obtained from the stem of the flax plant.

• Animal-based fibers: Wool from sheep, cashmere from goats, and silk from
silkworms are examples of animal-based fibers. Wool is sheared from animals, while
silk is produced by harvesting and unraveling silkworm cocoons.
 Synthetic fibers : Fibers like nylon, polyester, acrylic,
and spandex are created from petrochemical-based
materials. These are made through chemical processes,
where polymers are melted and extruded through
spinnerets to form continuous filaments.
 Once the fibers are extracted or created, they are spun into yarn,

2.) FIBER which is used to make fabric. The process of spinning can vary
depending on the type of fiber.
SPINNING INTO Carding: The raw fibers are cleaned and straightened in
preparation for spinning.
YARN Blending: Fibers can be mixed to create yarns with desired
properties (e.g., strength, softness, or stretch).
Twisting: Fibers are twisted together to form a continuous strand,
which becomes yarn. This can be done by hand or by machine.
3.) WEAVING OR KNITTING TO FORM FABRIC
Once the yarn is produced, it is used to create fabric through weaving or knitting.

•Weaving:
• This process involves interlacing two sets of yarns, called the warp (vertical) and weft
(horizontal), at right angles to each other. The fabric structure created by weaving is
usually tight and strong. Different types of weaves (plain, twill, satin) create different
textures and appearances in the fabric.
•Knitting:
• Knitting uses a single yarn or multiple yarns to form loops that are interlocked to
create fabric. This method produces a more stretchy and flexible fabric compared to
weaving. There are two main types of knitting: weft knitting (used in t-shirts and
sweaters) and warp knitting (used in lingerie and swimwear).
WEAVING:
KNITTING
4.) FINISHING

Finishing is the final

stage in textile production,
where the fabric undergoes
treatments to improve its
appearance, texture, and
performance. After the
fabric is woven or knitted, it
may be rough, stiff, or have
unwanted characteristics.
Finishing processes help
refine the fabric and add
desirable properties.
5.) DYEING AND
PRINTING
Dyeing is the process of
adding color to textiles by
immersing them in a dye
solution. The dye bonds
chemically with the fibers,
ensuring the color penetrates
the material evenly.

Printing involves applying

color to the surface of the
fabric in specific patterns.
Unlike dyeing, printing is
usually localized to create
designs.
6.) QUALITY
CONTROL

Quality control in the

textile industry ensures that
fabrics and garments meet
specific standards for
durability, appearance, and
performance. It involves
inspecting and testing the
materials at different
stages of production to
detect and correct any
defects, ensuring that the
final product is of high
quality.
 The textile industry is witnessing significant advancements driven by
technological innovation and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Here
are some of the most exciting recent developments:
1. Smart Textiles
Smart textiles, often referred to as "e-textiles" or "intelligent textiles,"
integrate technology directly into fabrics to enhance functionality and
user experience. Key innovations in this area include:
INNOVATIONS IN Conductive Fabrics: These fabrics are designed with conductive
materials that allow them to transmit electrical signals. They can be
FIBERS AND used in various applications, including:
 Wearable Technology: Clothing equipped with sensors that
TEXTILES monitor health metrics (like heart rate and temperature) or track
physical activity. For example, smart sportswear can collect
performance data to help athletes optimize their training.
 Interactive Clothing: Fabrics that can change color or pattern
based on environmental stimuli, such as temperature or light.
This feature can enhance user comfort or even create fashion
that adapts in real time.
Embedded Electronics: Textiles with integrated sensors and circuitry
enable functionalities like heating (for warmth), lighting (for visibility), or
even communication (through embedded devices). This technology is
being explored for applications in fashion, sports, and medical devices.
EXAMPLES OF
SMART TEXTILES:
Wearablex Yoga Pants
Hexoskin tops
Cute Circuits Hugshirt
Color Changing Rainbow Color
Reflective Polyester Fabric for
Fashion Clothing Jacket
 2. Sustainable
Fibers
With growing environmental concerns, the textile industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability.
Innovations in sustainable fibers include:

•Biodegradable Materials: Researchers are developing new fiber materials that can decompose
naturally over time, reducing the impact of textile waste on the environment. Examples include:
• Lyocell: Made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, lyocell is biodegradable and produced in
a closed-loop process that recycles water and solvents.
• Biopolyesters: Fibers like polylactic acid (PLA) are derived from renewable resources such as
corn starch and can break down more readily than conventional petroleum-based fibers.
•Recycling Processes: Innovations in recycling techniques aim to reduce waste and improve
resource efficiency:
• Closed-Loop Recycling: This process allows for the recycling of old textiles into new fibers
without degrading their quality. For example, brands are developing systems to collect and
process used garments into new fabrics.
• Chemical Recycling: Advances in chemical recycling allow for the breakdown of synthetic
fibers (like polyester) back into their raw materials, which can then be reprocessed into new
fibers. This method helps to reduce reliance on virgin resources.
•Natural Dyeing Techniques: The use of eco-friendly, natural dyes from plant materials and
waste products is gaining traction. These processes reduce water and chemical pollution typically
SAMPLE IMAGES OF LYOCELL AND
BIOPOLYESTERS
SAMPLE VIDEO ON HOW TO MANUFACTURE TEXTILE USING
NATURAL FIBERS (EX. LINEN)
SAMPLE VIDEO ON HOW TO MANUFACTURE SYNTHETIC FIBER (EX. POLYESTER)
  Fibers and textiles have been essential
throughout history, providing clothing, shelter,
and cultural expression. Traditionally, natural
fibers from plants and animals were vital for
survival, while today, innovations like smart
textiles and synthetic fibers are expanding their
uses in daily life and industries. The textile
CONCLUSION industry is now focusing on sustainability, with
biodegradable materials and recycling
processes leading the way to reduce
environmental impact. Modern advancements,
like smart fabrics, are also pushing innovation
in health, technology, and fashion. As fibers and
textiles evolve, they will continue to shape
industries and contribute to a sustainable
future.
-END-