Fiber Characteristics

 Definition of Fiber Characteristics 

                   Fiber Morphology

Fiber morphology: The morphology of fibers includes macrostructure, microstructure, sub-microscopic structure and fine structure of fibers.

Macrostructure: includes 

a)Fiber size: has a very important influence on fiber stiffness, which affects the stiffness of the fabric, and hence the fabric drape and how soft it feels.

b) Fiber length: fiber length is the most important property of a fiber. Fiber length is critical in processing of fibers and yarns and in the translation of fiber strength to yarn strength.
In general, a longer fiber length is preferred. Textile fibers are either staple or 

filament. Short staple fibers range from 2 to 46 cm; filament fibers are of infinite length. 

All natural fibers except silk are of staple length. Silk and manufactured fibers may be staple or filament fibers.

c) Fiber crimp: Crimp refers to waves, bends, twists or curls along the fiber length. It is Expressed as Crimps per unit length. Some natural fibers are linear, others form two-Dimensional or three- dimensional crimps as shown in the Figure. Crimped fibers tend to have higher elongation than linear fibers.

Length / Diameter ratio of textile fiber :