Fibers are made through various processes, starting either from natural sources or manufactured from polymers.
Natural Fibers
Many fibers come directly from nature. Examples include:
- Cotton: From the cotton plant.
- Linen: From the flax plant.
- Silk: From silkworms.
- Wool: From sheep.
- Cashmere: From cashmere goats.
- Burlap: From jute plants.
These fibers are typically processed by spinning them into yarn and then weaving or knitting them into fabrics.
Manufactured Fibers
Many other fibers are made starting with polymers. The provided reference states that "Some people start with polymers found in nature, such as petroleum, and then use chemical reactions to build new polymers."
The Process
These manufactured fibers are created in a specific process:
- Polymer Formation: Starting with raw materials like petroleum, chemical reactions are used to create polymers.
- Extrusion: Machines push these polymers through tiny holes.
- Stretching: The extruded polymers are then stretched out to make long fibers.
These fibers can then be processed similarly to natural fibers to create yarns and fabrics.
| Fiber Type | Source | Process |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Fibers | Plants and Animals | Spun into yarn, then woven or knitted |
| Manufactured Fibers | Polymers, such as those from petroleum | Polymer formation, extrusion, and stretching |
