Fibers ID Lab

Fibers ID GuideFall 2009 Forensics

Polyester FibersSEM picture of a bend in a high-surface area polyester fiber with a seven-lobed cross section

Strong Resistant to stretching and shrinking Resistant to most chemicals Quick drying Crisp and resilient when wet or dry Wrinkle resistant Mildew resistant Abrasion resistant Retains heat-set pleats and crease Easily washed Polyester Fibers are one of many manufactured types of fibers.Some Major Polyester Fiber UsesApparel: Every form of clothing Home Furnishings: Carpets, curtains, draperies, sheets and pillow cases, wall coverings, and upholstery Other Uses: hoses, power belting, ropes and nets, thread, tire cord, auto upholstery, sails, floppy disk liners, and fiberfill for various products including pillows and furniture Polyester is still in use today, but had a major influence in America during the 1960s and 70s.

2Linen

Woven texture- smooth

ends of the fibers are pointed

Used in bed sheets, kitchen linen, towels, shirts, swimwear, etc

Interesting use: combat and police uniforms

Linen

LongSmoothStrongNot fuzzy endsDoes not retain stainsMore expensive then cottonInteresting Fact:Linen is used for protective garments of the spacemen and for protection of the spaceships outside. Under a Microscope:looks like multiple sided cylindrical filaments with fine pointed edges.

WoolUses- clothing, blankets, horse rugs, saddle cloths, carpeting, felt, wool insulation and upholstery. piano hammers, absorb odors and noise in heavy machinery and stereo speakers.Looks- Single strand-frayed, all together-clean cutWool has high crimp, allows it to be spun easier

WoolFrayed endsFibers spun together to stay together

Interesting Fact: Wool is comparatively stronger than steel

Silk

Silk is used to make clothingFiber- silk*The ends of the fiber are frayed and very loose *Silk is used to make night wear and lingerie for men and womenBy: Tyler Donde and Katie Crail

HempEnds are cut and frayedThe fiber weave is spiraled and turned to rope (usually)Interesting use:The core of the stem, shive, is used for animal bedding

Jute Jute is one of the cheapest natural fibers and is second to cotton in the amount produced.

Jute is often woven into carpets, chair covers and curtains

It is brittle, crease resistant and often sheds

Jute is easily dyed but becomes weak when wet.

This fiber is usually frayed at the ends and can be weaved with other natural and synthetic fibers.

Kevlar Used for body armor and bicycle tires Strong synthetic fiber, weave is also tight to protect from breakageEnds are straight not frayed It also can be used for a replacement for asbestos as brake pads

10 Its round, smooth, and shiny filament fibersEnds look frayedThe weave is tight and evenUsed for seatbelts, tire cords, ballistic clothNylon

Burlap

-Straight cut/even ends

-Loose Weave

-A woven cloth made from jute, hemp, or flax fibers

Interesting Fact: Burlap is used to make sturdy bags that are used in sack races.

AcrylicIt is used for its easy ability to be washed and its resistance to moths, oil and other chemicals.The ends on the fiber are clean cut and for the most part straight. Acrylic is a synthetic fiber causing the manufacturer to determine the weave pattern that suits them best.

The ends of a rayon fiber look frayed and twisted. INTERESTING USE: medical surgery productsRAYON

Cotton

Soft, staple fiberMany fuzzy endsUnder microscope looks flat, spirally ribbon likeInteresting Use: Cotton can yearn into candle wicks