Synthetic fibers
From Floor Coverings
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What are synthetic fibers?
Synthetic Fibers are fibers like yarn, woven cloth or other textile products that come from man-made sources. They are manufactured from polymer based materials such as thermoplastics. Fibers themselves come in three classes, natural, cellulose and synthetic. These are materials used in making a variety of things, like clothing, rugs, parachutes, blankets, ropes, thread and other items.
Three classes of natural fibers.
There are three classes of natural fibers that include animal, vegetable and mineral fibers. Examples of natural animal fibers are silk, wool, camel hair, angora, rabbit and cashmere. Examples of natural vegetable fibers are bamboo, cotton, flax, jute, ramie and wood. Examples of natural mineral fibers are asbestos and basalt. Cellulose fibers are artificially manufactured fibers that are made from plant sources but are not considered natural or synthetic. Some cellulose fibers consist of acetate and rayon among others.
Classes of synthetic fibers.
Synthetic fibers are created in laboratories and combined with chemicals to possess certain qualities. Some examples of synthetic fibers are acrylic, carbon, nylon, olefin, polyester and spandex. The scientific society and chemical research has made synthetic fibers possible. Nylon was the first synthetic fiber discovered and introduced soon after World War ll as a cheaper replacement for silk. Synthetic fibers also include glass fibers, ceramic fibers and metallic fibers. In flooring applications, synthetic fibers are used in the making of carpets and area rugs.
Methods of construction for synthetic fibers.
Different methods of constructing materials made from synthetic fibers include bulk which are thin continuous fiber filaments and roving which is untwisted bundles of continuous filaments. Yarn is continuous plied strands of fibers and carded or needle punched fibers are used for inexpensive non-wovens. In addition, there are fibers that are braided and webbed. Not all fibers end up in clothing and possess thread-like strength. Aramid and polyimide are fibers that are stronger than steel. Ceramic fibers can withstand very high temperatures.
