Natural Protein Fibers and Natural Cellulosic Fibers

Flashcards for reviewing key vocabulary and concepts related to Natural Protein Fibers and Natural Cellulosic Fibers.

Protein Fibers

Fibers that originate from animals and are composed of amino acids.

Wool

A natural protein fiber harvested from the hair or fur of animals.

Silk

A natural protein fiber produced by the secretion of silk caterpillars.

Keratin

The protein that constitutes wool.

Fibroin

The protein that constitutes silk.

Sericulture

The production of silk through the cultivation of silkworms.

Scouring

The process of cleaning wool by removing grease and dirt.

Cashmere

A luxurious fiber obtained from the Cashmere goat, known for its softness and warmth.

Mohair

A durable, flame-resistant fiber derived from the hair of the Angora goat.

Qiviut

The rare and warm undercoating of the Musk Ox, known for being odorless and not shrinking.

Cotton

The most widely used natural cellulosic fiber, grown around the seed of the cotton plant.

Flax

The natural fiber from which linen is made; known for its durability and resistance to insects.

abaca

A silk-like, elastic fiber derived from banana plant leaves.

Jute

An affordable, fast-growing natural cellulosic fiber often used for packaging.

Bast fibers

Fibers obtained from the stems of plants, bound by pectins and gums.

Hemp

A sustainable, strong, and biodegradable fiber obtained from the Cannabis sativa plant.

Rayon

The first manufactured fiber developed in 1910, derived from regenerated cellulose.