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Home > Articles > Introduction on Plant Fibres (Cotton & Jute): Definition, Types, List of Examples and their Uses
Updated on 11th June, 2023 , 7 min read
Fabric is the term used to describe the material produced through the processes of weaving and knitting. It is composed of thin strands of thread known as yarn, which in turn is made up of even finer strands called fibres. Fibres obtained from natural sources such as plants and animals are referred to as natural fibres. Common examples of natural fibres include cotton, jute, wool, and silk. On the other hand, fibres that are created through chemical processes and are synthetic in nature are known as synthetic fibres. Popular examples of synthetic fibres include polyester, nylon, and acrylic.
Plant fibres, also known as natural fibres, are obtained from various plants. These fibres occur naturally in plants and are considered natural materials. Cotton, jute, flax, and other similar fibres are examples of natural plant fibres. Additionally, fibres obtained from animals are also classified as natural fibres, such as wool.
Natural fibres or "plant fibres" is a type that can be derived from different plants. They are robust, long-lasting, and versatile fibres composed of cellulose, a complex carbohydrate. In the manufacturing of paper, textiles, and other goods, they are frequently employed. Cotton, flax, hemp, jute, bamboo, and others are a few examples of plant fibres. These fibres can be treated in various ways to yield various goods, such as strong and resilient jute fibres for bags and ropes or soft and absorbent cotton fibres for garments. A more environmentally friendly option to synthetic fibres is plant fibres, which are renewable and biodegradable.
Plant fibres can be categorized into three main types:
Seed fibres are obtained from the seeds of plants. Examples of seed fibres include cotton and kapok. Cotton fibres, for instance, are obtained from the seedpods of the cotton plant.
Bast fibres are derived from the outer covering of the plant's stem, known as the bast or phloem. These fibres are collected from the inner bark or bast of plants. Examples of bast fibres include jute, flax, and hemp. Jute fibres, often referred to as golden fibres due to their color, are obtained from the jute plant.
Hard fibres are collected from the leaves of certain plants. A notable example is coir, which is obtained from the hard shell of coconuts. Coir is commonly used in making ropes and mats.
In addition to these plant parts, fibres can also be obtained from grasses, wood, and other sources.
Plant fibres include things like cotton, jute, hemp, flax, bamboo, coir, sisal, and more. Let's go into more detail about a few of them.
Jute fibres are classified as bast fibres and are obtained from the stem of jute plants. These fibres are long, shiny, and soft. They possess greater strength compared to fibres like cotton. Jute is an affordable fibre and finds applications in twine, rope, bags, and doormats.
Cotton fibres are seed fibres obtained from the seeds of cotton plants. They are soft, fluffy, and highly absorbent. Cotton has been used since ancient times and is found in regions like South Asia, America, Arabia, Iran, China, and India. It is extensively used in bath towels, the textile industry, the pharmaceutical industry, and various other fields.
Similar to jute fibres, flax fibres are also bast fibres. It is predominantly cultivated in cooler regions of the world. These fibres are 2-3 times stronger than cotton fibres and possess a naturally smooth and straight structure. Flax fibres are used in the textile industry, high-quality paper production, surgical threads, and more.
Hemp fibres, like jute and flax fibres, are another example of bast fibres. It is utilized in the production of ropes, shoes, food paper, bioplastics, biofuel, animal bedding, and garden mulch.
Coir is a seed fibre obtained from the coconut. It is a natural fibre, and the longest coir fibre is known as bristle coir. Coir is also referred to as "coconut cotton." It is used in the manufacturing of doormats, brushes, mattresses, packaging materials, bedding, and flooring. Additionally, it finds applications in agriculture and horticulture.
Nature offers a vast array of resources, and humans have tapped into these opportunities, particularly in the acquisition of plant fibres. Here are some types of plant fibres:
Cotton fibres are obtained from cotton plants, which thrive in warm climates with black soil. After maturation, the cotton plant fruits burst open, and the seeds are collected.
Jute fibres are obtained from the stem of the jute plant. It is cultivated during the rainy season, and the process of harvesting is known as retting. The plant's stems are submerged in water for a few days, and then the fibres are separated by hand through a process called stripping.
Coconut fibres, also known as coir, are obtained from the outer shell of coconuts. It is used in various applications, including ropes, mats, and as a filling material.
Linen fibres are obtained from the stems of the flax plant. It is used in the production of ropes, tablecloths, napkins, and high-quality paper. Linen is found in subtropical regions, with significant production concentrated in North Dakota and Minnesota. The fibres are soft, and flexible, and give a shiny appearance.
Kapok, also known as silk cotton, is another type of plant fibre. It is derived from the kapok tree, specifically from the ripened and burst fruits. Kapok fibres are light, fluffy, and water-repellent, making them suitable for thermal and sound insulation, as well as filling materials in mattresses and life jackets.
The components of plant fibre can be described as follows:
Plant fibres possess various characteristics and properties that make them valuable for different applications. Here are some key characteristics of plant fibres:
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By - Nikita Parmar 2024-09-06 10:59:22 , 6 min readPlant fibres are natural fibres derived from various parts of plants, such as stems, leaves, seeds, or fruits. They are used to make textiles, ropes, papers, and other products.
Common types of plant fibres include cotton, jute, flax (linen), hemp, sisal, coir, bamboo, and ramie.
Plant fibres are renewable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly. They offer breathability, moisture absorption, strength, and versatility in different applications.
Plant fibres undergo processes like harvesting, retting, drying, and spinning to obtain usable fibers. Further processing may involve spinning, weaving, knitting, or other techniques to create finished products.
Plant fibres are widely used in textile production, including clothing, home textiles, and industrial fabrics. They are also used in packaging, papermaking, rope production, and agricultural materials.
Plant fibres offer natural properties, biodegradability, and a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic fibers. They often have better breathability and moisture-wicking abilities but may have different strength and durability characteristics.