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Natural Fibres

'Natural fibre' is a term that refers to fibres that are acquired from (or are created by) animals and plants and is used to describe them. A wide range of uses for these fibres can be found in the production of composite materials. It is possible to make paper and felt (a type of textile material) by matting together different layers of natural fibres and folding them into sheets.

The majority of natural fibres are well-known for their ability to absorb sweat and other liquids. The use of various natural fibres can result in a plethora of diverse textures (either individually or through a combination of two or more natural fibres). For example, cotton fibres (which are natural fibres generated from the cotton plant) are used in the creation of cotton fabrics, which are distinguished by their low weight and delicate texture compared to other fabrics. Another feature of cotton fibre is that it can be woven into a variety of different-sized and-colored clothes. Clothing made of natural fibres (such as cotton) is generally preferred over clothing made of synthetic fibres, especially by individuals who live in hot and humid climates. Natural fibre clothing is also more affordable.

Natural fibres include the following:

Plant fibres and animal fibres are the two primary groups into which natural fibres are classified: plant fibres and animal fibres. This subsection contains examples of both plant fibres and animal fibres, as well as their combinations.

  1. Plant Fibres are a type of fibre that is found in plants.

Those fibres derived from the seeds of various plant species are referred to as seed fibres.

Leaf fibres are natural fibres that can be obtained by collecting them from the leaves of particular plants. Pineapple and banana leaf fibres are examples of natural fibres.

Fruit fibres are the natural fibres that are obtained from the fruit of a plant, such as cotton (coconut fibre, for example).

Stalk fibres are natural fibres that are derived from the stalks of certain types of plants and are used in textile production. Wheat straws, bamboo fibres, fibres obtained from the stalks of rice and barley plants, and straw are all examples of biodegradable materials.

Bast fibres are natural fibres that are derived from cells that are found in the outer layer of the stem and are used in the production of bast fibres. Bast fibres include jute fibres, flax fibres, vine fibres, industrial hemp fibres, kenaf fibres, rattan fibres, and ramie fibres, to name a few. It should be noted that these fibres are commonly utilised in fabric and packaging because of their long-lasting properties.

  1. Fibres derived from animals

Animal fibres are natural fibres that are made up of proteins such as fibroin, keratin, and collagen, among other things. The following are some examples of animal fibres that are commonly encountered.

  • Silk is a form of animal fibre that is derived from silkworms (different species produce different types of silk).
  • Sinew is a type of animal fibre that connects the muscles of certain animals to the bones of those animals.
  • Wool is a type of animal fibre that is obtained by shearing the fur of specific breeds of sheep from their coats.
  • Mohair is an animal fibre made from the hair of the Angora goat, and it is used to make clothing and other items.
  • Natural fibres have a variety of uses.

Natural fibres, particularly specific glass fibres, are widely employed in the construction industry, and are found in a variety of different types of building materials. Even when embedded in a matrix of synthetic polymers, such composites (which can also be referred to as biocomposites) can be termed natural fibres because they are composed primarily of natural fibres. It is used in a variety of industries, including the automobile and electronics industries. Cellulose fibre has a wide range of applications. Natural fibres such as these can be utilised for insulation as well as for noise-absorbing panels.

In terms of industrial value, the four most important animal fibres are silk, wool, angora, and camel hair, which are all derived from silkworms. Many plant fibres are also used in a variety of important industrial applications. Cotton fibre, for example, is a critical raw ingredient in the textile industry’s production. Hemp fibre, jute fibre, and flax fibre are some of the other key plant fibres used in the manufacturing industry.

Conclusion 

Natural fibres are obtained from plants and animals, for example wool , cotton, silk,jute.Natural fibres may have applications in textiles,medicine, as they might aid in the production of biomaterials, which is a growing field. For example, the natural fibre Chitin can be utilised to filter out some hazardous contaminants from industrial wastewater outflow, according to the manufacturer.

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Is silk considered a fibre crop?

Ans. Plants and trees produce fibre crops such as cotton and jute, whereas animals such as silkworms, bees, wasps, a...Read full

What are the three main drawbacks of natural fibres?

Ans. The following are some of the drawbacks: When compared to syntheti...Read full

In what ways do natural fibres differ from synthetic fibres?

Ans. Naturally occurring fibre comes from some of the world’s first known domesticated plants, and it possesse...Read full

What is the purpose of using natural fibres?

Ans. Natural fibres, which are inexpensive and readily available, have a great deal of potential in a wide range of ...Read full

Is it the world's thinnest natural fibre?

Ans. Silk is generated by the silkworm during the process of building its cocoon, and it is always sourced from Asia...Read full