Classification of fibers used in textile industry and the comparison of synthetic fibers with wool and a short study on the methods of telling the difference between them

The naturel fibers can be subdivided, in origin: (1) Animal fibers, (2) Vegetable fibers and, (3) Mineral fibers

The synthetic fibers can be subdivided in to two groups according to their Chemical structure. (1) Organic fibers and (2) inorganic fibers. The former includes cellulosic and noncellulosic fibers.

Felting capacity and moisture absorption of wool is much better than synthetic fibers.

Another important characteristic of wool is low transmittion ability of heat.

Wool is superior to synthetic fibers for it`s properties such as: Draping and dyeing, resistance to heat and flame and softness (Handle).

On the other hand the strength and resistance to insects is much better in synthetic fibers.

Synthetic fibers are also more resistant to soiling than wool.

In general there are three methods for indendification of synthetic or natural fibers from each others: (1) Chemical method, (2) optical or section method and (3) burning method. Keywords :