Animal fiber
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Animal fibers are natural fibers that consist largely of particular proteins. Instances are silk, hair/fur (including wool) and feathers. The most commonly used type of animal fiber is hair.
Not all animal fibers have the same properties. Alpaca fiber is known for its softness, and silk for its sheen and strength. 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. With animal fibers, and natural fibers in general, the individual fibers look different, whereas all synthetic fibers look the same.
The animal fibers used most commonly both in the manufacturing world as well as by the hand spinners are wool and silk.
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[edit] 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 (sericulture). The shimmering appearance for which silk is prized comes from the fibres' triangular prism-like structure which allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angles. Silk is also the strongest natural fiber known to man.
[edit] Wool
Wool is the fiber derived from the fur of animals of the Caprinae family, principally sheep, but the hair of certain species of other mammals such as goats, alpacas and rabbits may also be called wool.
[edit] Angora
Angora wool or Angora fiber refers to the downy coat produced by the Angora rabbit. Angora is prized for its softness, low micron count (i.e. thin fibers), and what knitters refer to as a halo (fluffiness).
[edit] 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.
[edit] Alpaca
Alpaca fiber is that of an alpaca. It is warmer than sheep's wool and lighter in weight. It is soft, fine, glossy and luxurious.
[edit] Cashmere
Cashmere wool is wool obtained from the Cashmere goat. Cashmere is characterized by its luxuriously soft fibres, 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. Fibres are highly adaptable and are easily constructed into fine or thick yarns, and light to heavy-weight fabrics.
[edit] Fiber from other animals
Hand spinners also use fiber from animals such as llamas, camels, yak, and possums.
