Question

Name two natural fibres and sources from which they are obtained.

Answer 1

Hint: Fibres can be defined as the thread-like structure that is long, thin and flexible strands. The fibres which are obtained naturally from plants and animals sources are termed the natural fibres.

Complete answer:
Natural fibres are the fibres that are obtained from plants, animals and geological processes. They can also be matted with natural fibres into sheets to make paper. They can also be used for high-tech applications.

Natural Fibres have various characteristics:
- They are comfortable and also durable.
- They can be twisted into yarn to make fabric.
- They are highly capable of absorbing moisture.
-Also, they give us a good feel and the best look.
- The natural fibres obtained from plants are – cotton, coir, jute, flax, etc.

Cotton (Plant Fibre)- Cotton is seed fibre. It can be obtained from the seed of a plant. It is very good absorbent, soft and preferred more by human beings at the time of summers. When cotton plants start flowering, they give yellowish-white flowers which they slowly change into cotton balls.

The natural fibres obtained from animals consist of wool, silk, cashmere, etc.
Silk (Animal Fibre)- The most commonly known form of silk is that it is obtained from cocoons. This animal fibre can be woven in various ways in textiles. The practice of silk rearing is referred to as sericulture. The most powerful natural fibre is spider silk.

Note: There are many advantages of natural fibres such as they are biodegradable and skin-friendly, etc. These mineral fibres are the third type of natural fibres. Mineral fibres refer to the inorganic materials that are shaped into fibres. Example- Asbestos.

Unlike synthetic fibres, all the natural fibres are non-thermoplastic. It means that they do not soften when heat is applied to them. They have low weight, high strength and stiffness which make buyers more attractive and offer a variety of choices.