Fibers are classified primarily based on their origin, chemical composition, and physical properties into two broad categories: natural fibers and manufactured (man-made) fibers.

1. Natural Fibers

Natural fibers occur in fiber form in nature and are obtained from plants, animals, or minerals. They are further subdivided as follows:

• Plant (Cellulose) Fibers: Derived from plants and composed mainly of cellulose. Examples include cotton, flax, jute, hemp, ramie, linen, and coir. These fibers can come from different parts of the plant such as seed (cotton), stem/bast (flax, jute), or leaf (sisal, abaca)

• Animal (Protein) Fibers: Obtained from animals and composed of proteins like keratin or fibroin. Examples include wool, silk, mohair, cashmere, alpaca, and angora. These fibers come from hair, secretions, or cocoons

• Mineral Fibers: Naturally occurring mineral fibers such as asbestos. These are less common and are mined from the earth

Natural fibers are mostly staple fibers (short lengths), except silk, which is a continuous filament fiber

2. Manufactured (Man-Made) Fibers

These fibers are produced through chemical processes rather than occurring naturally. They are also called synthetic fibers but can include regenerated fibers derived from natural polymers.

• Synthetic Fibers: Fully synthetic polymers like nylon, polyester, acrylic, polyethylene, polyurethane, and polyvinyl fibers. These fibers are chemically synthesized from petrochemicals

• Regenerated Fibers: Made by chemically modifying natural polymers such as cellulose to produce fibers like rayon and viscose

• Other Manufactured Fibers: Includes metallic fibers, mineral fibers like glass fiber, and rubber fibers

Additional Classification Criteria

• By Length: Fibers can be classified as staple fibers (short) or filament fibers (long continuous strands)

• By Heat Conductivity: Thermoplastic fibers (which melt on heating) and non-thermoplastic fibers

In summary, the main classification of fibers is:

Classification Basis| Categories| Examples
---|---|---
Origin| Natural (Plant, Animal, Mineral)| Cotton, wool, silk, jute, asbestos
| Manufactured (Synthetic, Regenerated)| Nylon, polyester, rayon, glass fiber
Length| Staple (short)| Cotton, wool
| Filament (long)| Silk, synthetic filament yarns
Heat Conductivity| Thermoplastic| Polyester, nylon
| Non-thermoplastic| Wool, cotton

This classification helps in identifying the fiber's source, properties, and potential applications in textiles and other industries