Materials & Components

• viscose
• modal

• Lyocel
• Tencel

• acetate

• triacetate

• cupro

• alginate

• rubber

Polyesters:- Trevira, Polartec

Polyamides:- nylon, Tactel, acrylic, Supplex

Aramid fibres:- Kevlar, Nomex, Zylon, Cordura

Elastomeric fibres:- Lycra, Spandex

• glass
• carbon
• metallic
• ceramic (used for anti-bacterial properties, thermal regulation, UV protection)

• cotton (seed)
• linen (bast)
• jute (bast)
• bamboo (bast)
• hemp (bast)
• ramie (bast)
• pineapple (leaf)

• wool
• mohair (Foreign angora goats) (Shorn 2x a year)
• angora (Foreign rabbits)
• cashmere (Eastern Kel goats) (Shorn 1x a year)
• llama
• vicuna
• silk (cultivated & wild)

• Asbestos (no longer in use) (Older version of Nomex)

Fibre Length (staple) - the shorter the fibres, the greater the frequency of protruding fibre ends

Fibre Density - affects the weight of the fabrics

Moisture Absorption - absorbing moisture from the atmosphere

Biological Resistance - decomposition

Tenacity - the higher the tenacity, the stronger it is and usually more durable

Braking Extension & Elasticity - wrinkle resistance and recovering after it has been extended

Properties

• Natural and renewable 
• Fine & gauzy
• Silk-like quality
• Bleached
• High cost (for luxury items)
• From Philippines & West Indies
• Resistance to moisture

Uses

• Stiff, silk fabrics for window blinds
• Wedding dresses
• Handkerchiefs

Properties

• Natural & Renewable
• Makes course springy yarn
• Good abrasion resistance
• High tear & tensile strength
• Produced in Singapore, Australia & Europe

Uses

• Window & wall coverings
• Accessories & bags
• Floor mats

Properties

• Made from the agave cactus
• Durable
• Good anti-static properties
• Natural & Renewable

Uses

• Twines & ropes
• Floor coverings
• Baskets
• Can be woven with wool to make it warmer and softer

Properties

• From coconuts
• Spun and hand woven
• Hard wearing
• Abrasion resistant
• Natural & Renewable

Uses

• Floor coverings
• Filling for furniture & mattresses
• Geotextiles
• Ropes & twines

Properties

• High lustre
• Absorbent
• High strength
• Growth in southeast
• Stiffer & more brittle than linen
• Has large yield (cropped up to 3x a year)

Uses

• Rope, twine & nets
• Lightweight summer garments
• Usually mixed with polyester or acrylic to soften the fibre

Properties

• Imported from India
• Very long strong fibre
• Natural UV resistance
• Natural & Renewable
• Low elasticity
• Like steal wire
• Difficult to bleach (ends up being creamy white)

Uses

• Packaging & ropes
• Carpet backing
• Curtain fabrics
• Geotextiles
• Mixed with cotton for garment textiles

Properties

• Naturally fire resistant
• Good thermal insulator
• Soft luxurious handle & appearance
• Renewable resource (popularity may endanger the animal)
• Expensive (Limited supply) (Irregular supply because some are impossible to rear in captivity) (Many animals needed to make one garment)

Uses

• Blended with wool to reduce cost
• Warm luxury fabrics
• Scarves and knitwear
• Expensive interior textiles
• Evening wear

• Nettle is grown in the Himalayas, so the distribution cost will be high

• The process for prepering this fibre is lengthy

• Other fibres could be used instead of this

• These fibres are all renewable because they are fast growing and grow in poor soil

• This means the landscape will be less likely to be altered negatively

• It also has a higher yeild, so it is a worthwhile crop for the soil it uses

• Previously been banned as it can be used as a narcotic drug

• Also, the introduction of synthetic fibres meant hemp was less frequently used

They are all renewable because they are fast growing

• Some are from specific climates (e.g. sisal is from a subtropical climate)

• Pina can only be produced by a certain type of pineapple that cannot be eaten

• Soft handle
• Appearence
• Cost
• Quality

• Muskox hair has a higher yeild, because animal is able to shed enough to make 40 sweaters every summer

• The animal can be farmed, which means the quantities can be controlled

• Vicuna hair has less yeild that Muskox hair

• Muskox hair would produce the most commercially viable fibre, because it can produce enough hair to meet demand

• Vicuna hair produces limited hair - making price higher