Animal fiber
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Animal fibers are
Not all animal fibers have the same properties, and even within a species the fiber is not consistent. Merino is a very soft, fine wool, while Cotswold is coarser, and yet both Merino and Cotswold are types of sheep. This comparison can be continued on the microscopic level, comparing the diameter and structure of the fiber. With animal fibers, and natural fibers in general, the individual fibers look different, whereas all synthetic fibers look the same. This provides an easy way to differentiate between natural and synthetic fibers under a microscope.
Silk
Silk is a "natural" protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The best-known type of silk is obtained from cocoons made by the larvae of the silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity. Rearing of silks is called sericulture. Degummed fibers from B. mori are 5-10 μm in diameter. The shimmering appearance for which silk is prized comes from the fibers' triangular prism-like cross-sectional structure which allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angles.
The length of the silk fiber depends on how it has been prepared. Since the cocoon is made of one strand, if the cocoon is unwound carefully the fibers can be very long.
Wool
Wool is fiber derived from animal fur. Sheep are the principal source of wool, but fiber made from the hair of other mammals, such as goats, alpacas, and rabbits, may also be called wool.
Alpaca
Angora
Angora wool or Angora fiber refers to the down coat produced by the Angora rabbit. There are many types of Angora rabbits - English, French, German, and Giant. Angora is prized for its softness, thin fibers of around 12-16 micrometers for quality fiber, and what knitters refer to as a halo (fluffiness). The fiber felts very easily. Angora fiber comes in white, black, and various shades of brown.
Bison
Bison fibers refer to the soft undercoat of the
Cashmere
Cashmere wool is wool obtained from the Cashmere goat. Cashmere is characterized by its luxuriously soft fibers, with high napability and loft. In order for a natural goat fiber to be considered Cashmere, it must be under 18.5 micrometers in diameter and be at least 3.175 centimeters long. It is noted as providing a natural light-weight insulation without bulk. Fibers are highly adaptable and are easily constructed into fine or thick yarns, and light to heavy-weight fabrics.
Mohair
Mohair is a silk-like fabric or yarn made from the hair of the Angora goat. It is both durable and resilient. It is notable for its high luster and sheen, and is often used in fiber blends to add these qualities to a textile. Mohair also takes dye exceptionally well.
Sheep's wool
Wool has two qualities that distinguish it from hair or fur: it has scales which overlap like shingles on a roof and it is
Qiviut
Qiviut is the fine underwool of the muskox. Qiviut fibers are long (about 5 to 8 cm), fine (between 15 and 20 micrometers in diameter), and relatively smooth. It is approximately eight times warmer than sheep's wool and does not felt or shrink.
Fiber from other animals
Hand spinners also use fiber from animals such as llamas, camels, yak, and possums. These fibers are generally used in clothing.
Hair from animals such as
Wool from a wide range of animals can be used for handicrafts and garments. The table below lists a variety of animal fibers and the approximate average diameter of each.
Animal | Fiber diameter (micrometres) |
---|---|
Vicuña | 6–10 |
Alpaca (Suri) | 10–15 |
Muskox (Qiviut) | 11–13 |
Merino sheep | 12–20 |
Angora rabbit (Angora wool) | 13 |
Cashmere goat (Cashmere wool) | 15–19 |
Yak (Yak fiber) | 15–19 |
Camel (Camel hair) | 16–25 |
Guanaco | 16–18 |
Llama (Tapada) | 20–30 |
Chinchilla | 21 |
Angora goat (Mohair) | 25–45 |
Huacaya alpaca | 27.7 |
Llama (Ccara) | 30–40 |
See also
- Animal products
References
- ISBN 1402756232.
- ISBN 1420039342.
- ISBN 978-1603427647.
- ^ Braaten, Ann; Williams, Robyne (2000). "Bison Wool Fiber Characteristics". NDSU Agriculture and Extension. Fargo: North Dakota State University. Retrieved January 24, 2019.
- ^ Williams, Beula (April 17, 2007). "Llama Fiber". International Llama Association. Midwest Manufacturing, Inc. Archived from the original on October 12, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2011.