Fiber
are small units of textile material that occur naturally, like wool or cotton, or synthetically such as nylon
and polyester. In forensic science, fibers are considered “trace evidence” and are used to determine a
contact between garments.
Man Made Fiber / Synthetic Fiber
Man-made fibers, also known as synthetic fibers, are fibers created from chemicals rather than being
collected or extracted from natural sources. They are produced through a process called polymerization,
where various chemicals are combined to form a long, continuous chain of molecules that make up a
fiber.
Regenerated Man Made Fiber
Regenerated fibres are made from cellulose polymers that occur naturally in plants such as cotton,
wood, hemp and flax. Materials like rayon and acetate two of the first man made fibres to be produced
were made from cellulose polymers. Here plant cellulose was taken and then made into fibres.
A. Cellulose, Viscose
Cellulose is a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants. It is composed of glucose units linked
together in a linear chain. Cellulose is the main structural component of plant cell walls and provides
strength and rigidity to the plant structure.
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Viscose fiber, also known as rayon, is a type of regenerated cellulose fiber. It is made by chemically
treating cellulose from wood pulp or other plant-based sources and then spinning it into fibers.
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B. Protein, Acetate
Protein fibers are natural fibers that are derived from animal sources. These fibers are composed of
proteins, which are complex organic compounds made up of amino acids.
Acetate fiber is a type of man-made fiber that is derived from cellulose, a natural polymer found in
plants. Acetate fibers are considered semi-synthetic because they are made from natural materials but
undergo a chemical process to convert cellulose into a fiber-forming material called cellulose acetate.
C. Alginate, Lyocell
Alginate fiber is a type of man-made fiber derived from natural sources, particularly seaweed. It is
considered a biodegradable and eco-friendly fiber.
Lyocell fiber is a type of man-made fiber that is produced from cellulose, typically derived from wood
pulp. It is considered a semi-synthetic fiber.
Synthetic Man Made Fiber
Synthetic fibres are made only from polymers found in natural gas and
the by-products of petroleum. They include nylon, acrylics,
polyurethane and polypropylene
A. Polyester
Polyester fibers are made from synthetic polymers derived from petroleum. They are known for their
strength, wrinkle resistance, and quick-drying properties. Polyester is widely used in clothing, home
furnishings, and industrial applications.
B. Polyvinyl, Acrylic
Polyvinyl fiber, also known as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber, is a type of synthetic fiber that is derived
from polyvinyl alcohol.
Acrylic fibers are made from synthetic polymers derived from petroleum or natural gas. They are known
for their softness, lightweight, and excellent color retention. Acrylic is often used as a substitute for wool
in clothing, blankets, and upholstery.
C. Polyolefin
Polyolefin fiber refers to a type of synthetic fiber that is derived from polyolefin polymers. Polyolefins
are a group of thermoplastic polymers that are produced from olefin monomers, such as ethylene or
propylene.
Other Manmade Fiber
A. Metallic Fiber
Metallic fiber is manufactured fiber composed of metal, plastic-coated metal, metal-coated
plastic, or a core completely covered by metal.
B. Glass Fiber
Glass fiber is a material consisting of numerous extremely fine fibers of glass.
C. Carbon Fiber
Carbon Fiber is a polymer and is sometimes known as graphite fiber. It is a very strong material
that is also very lightweight. Carbon fiber is five-times stronger than steel and twice as stiff.
Though carbon fiber is stronger and stiffer than steel, it is lighter than steel; making it the ideal
manufacturing material for many parts.
