Fiber Project
By. Brooke Woodie
Cotton
Cotton comes from a plant that is a shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including the Americas, Africa, and India. The greatest diversity of wild cotton species is found in Mexico, followed by Australia and Africa. The advantages of cotton is that it can be used in more than just clothing. The disadvantages are that it shrinks more easily in the dryer, after it is washed. Cotton fibers can be woven or knitted into fabrics such as velvet, corduroy, chambray, velour, jersey and flannel.
Flax/Linen
Linen fabric is made from the cellulose fibers that grow inside of the stalks of the flax plant. Some advantages of using Linen clothing is it adds charms and trends to any outside. Disadvantages vary, a disadvantage is that the more you warm the fabric the trendiness washes out and goes away. End uses can be used as gauze for mummies.
Wool
Wool is the textile fiber obtained from sheep and certain other animals, including cashmere from goats, mohair from goats, etc. Advantages to wool is, that it is long lasting, and vey absorbent. Some disadvantages could be when the wool fabric gets wet, is gets heavy, and ay take a while to dry, and also shrinks very easily. The end uses can make many different clothing items, in home ideas, etc.
Silk
Silk is made up of caterpillars such as the mulberry silkworm. Advantages of silk can be it is light weight and good to wear to sleep, or even within everyday outfits. Disadvantages are that when this fabric gets wet it gets heavy, and may be see through. Another disadvantage is that when it gets cold within the area you're in, the fabric also gets cold, and stays cold.
End uses of silk includes making many clothing items, and in-home such as sheets, pillow cases, etc.
Acetate
Acetate is the manufactured version of silk. It all comes from the same place, but silk is more expensive and acetate gives us the option to use items similar to silk. Advantages of acetate is that, it is just like silk and this still gives us the option to use/wear/buy silk. Disadvantages of silk is that it isn't real silk, and you'd have to pay a lot more money to get the real stuff. The end uses of acetate is that it's all manufactured, and used for many things that silk is made for.
Rayon
Rayon comes from bamboo, which is a types of grass. Advantages of Rayon is that it is most absorbent than cotton. Rayon is used more in the medical field. Another advantage is that the Rayon doesn't pill. Disadvantages is that Rayon is an expensive fabric, this fabric gets stronger while being dry, than being wet. This fabric doesn't take much to shrink. The end uses of Rayon can be used for many different things such as tight clothing, feminine products, in home furniture, and industrial uses.
Lyocell
Lyocell is another form of Rayon. It has the same advantages, and disadvantages of Rayon. Lyocell is just another form that is cheaper. They have the same end uses as Rayon.
Nylon
Nylon is an manufactured fabric. Advantages of Nylon fabrics can be, they wear well. Nylon includes cotton as well as spandex. An advantage of this fabric is that it doesn't wrinkle like many others. Nylon is a lightweight fabric and easy for wearing. Although there are many advantages, there are many disadvantages as well. Nylon is one of the most easiest fabrics to melt. This fabric is also one of the most easiest to stretch out. Nylon is a quick to stain fabric, and also catches the other colors that bleed. The end uses of Nylon is for in home furniture, and clothing.
Olefin
Olefin fiber is a synthetic fiber made from a polyolefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Some advantages of olefin is it is colorfast, and it's not expensive. Olefin also has another important and popular advantage which is that spills clean up very easily. Their are also disadvantages. Some disadvantages would include it compresses very easy. Many oils bond to the fibers causing discoloration. The end uses are mainly used for home furniture, and clothing items.
Polyester
Polyester fabric is a very care free fabric that is also very cheap to produce. Polyester is a recyclable fabric for many things. An advantage of polyester is that it is to flammable. A disadvantage is that this fabric if low thermal resistant. The end uses of this fabric is used to cover couches, etc.
Spandex
Spandex is made from several chemicals that are known sensitizers. This fabric is lightweight, and almost keeps it's normal shape. This fabric is smooth and soft. Spandex almost pill and static free. Spandex is heat sensitive. Spandex is harmed by chlorine bleach. The end uses is to make clothing items.