Natural Cellulosic Fibers

Study key terms and definitions related to natural cellulosic fibers to aid exam preparation.

Cellulosic Fibers

Fibers derived from plant sources, primarily composed of cellulose.

Natural Fibers

Fibers that occur naturally in plants or animals, not chemically altered.

Seed Hair Fibers

Fibers attached to the seeds in the pod, such as cotton and kapok.

Bast Fibers

Fibers derived from the fibrous part of the plant stem, like flax and hemp.

Leaf Fibers

Fibers obtained from the fibrous part of a leaf, including sisal and pina.

Coir

Fiber obtained from the outer husk of coconuts, used for mats and rope.

Flax

A bast fiber known for producing linen, derived from the flax plant.

Jute

A coarse fiber obtained from the jute plant, commonly used for burlap.

Hemp

A strong bast fiber derived from the hemp plant, known for its versatility.

Ramie

A strong bast fiber often used in blends for its durability.

Sisal

A leaf fiber used for making rope and twine, derived from the agave plant.

Organic Cotton

Cotton produced through organic farming methods, free from synthetic chemicals.

Hydrophilic

Having an affinity for water; able to absorb moisture.

Absorbency

The ability of a material to take in moisture.

Resiliency

The ability to return to its original shape after deformation; resistance to wrinkles.

Chemical Reactivity

The way a fiber reacts to chemicals, such as acids and alkalis.

Pectin

A natural substance found in plant cell walls, contributing to fiber structure.

Retting

A process that uses moisture and microorganisms to separate fibers from the plant.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

Tenacity

The strength of a fiber; its ability to withstand stress.

Drape

The way a fabric hangs or falls, influenced by its weight and structure.

Flame Retardant Cotton

Cotton treated to make it more resistant to catching fire.

Eli Whitney

Inventor known for mechanizing cotton production in the 18th century.

Bale

A large bundle of compressed cotton, typically weighing 480 lbs.

Lint

The usable cotton fibers removed from the seed during ginning.

Linter

Short fibers left on the seed after ginning, often used for various products.

Convolutions

The twists in cotton fibers that help them cling together during spinning.

Mildew

A type of fungus that grows on organic material, including cotton.

Biodegradable

Capable of being broken down by natural processes, such as decomposing.

GOTS

Global Organic Textile Standard; certification for organic textiles.

Appearance Retention

The ability of a fabric to maintain its original look after use and washing.

Thermal Retention

The ability of a material to retain heat.

Environmental Resistance

The capacity of a fiber to withstand damages from environmental conditions.

Cotton Gin

A machine that separates cotton fibers from seeds.

Bamboo Fiber

Fiber derived from bamboo, considered eco-friendly but often processed chemically.

Chlorine Bleach

A chemical agent used to whiten and disinfect fabrics.

Bast Fiber Production

The process involving rippling, retting, breaking, scutching, and hackling to prepare bast fibers.

Natural Twist

The inherent spiral shape of fibers, allowing them to interlock.

Raffia

Natural fiber made from the leaves of the raffia palm, used in crafts.

Cotton Properties

Includes characteristics such as absorbency, comfort, and biodegradability.

Aesthetics

The visual appearance and appeal of textiles.

Abrasion Resistance

The ability of a fiber to withstand wear from rubbing against other surfaces.

Elongation

The capability of a fiber to stretch or elongate under tension.

Market Needs

The demands and preferences of consumers or industries regarding textile products.

Soybean Fiber

A fiber made from soy protein, often used in eco-friendly textiles.

Identification of Cotton

Determining cotton fibers' identity through microscopic examination.

Cross-section Shape

The profile shape of a fiber when viewed in a cross-section.

Texture

The feel or surface quality of a fabric, may include softness, roughness, etc.

High Moisture Absorption

The ability to take in and retain water without feeling wet.

Technical Textiles

Fabrics designed for specific technical applications beyond ordinary use.

Comfort Properties

Features of a fabric that contribute to the wearer's comfort.

Natural Colored Cotton

Cotton that is naturally colored and does not require dyeing.

Resistance to Microorganisms

The ability of a fiber to resist the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Other Bast Fibers

Includes fibers like ramie, jute, and kenaf, each with unique properties.

Grading of Cotton

The classification system for cotton based on fiber quality and character.

KAPOK

A fiber obtained from the seed pods of the kapok tree, used in filling.