Fibertyp

Fibertyp is a coined term in materials science used to describe a typological framework for classifying fibers by form and function rather than by composition alone. The concept emphasizes how a fiber behaves under processing, loading, moisture, and thermal conditions.

Scope and attributes: It applies to natural fibers (cotton, flax, wool, silk) and synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon, carbon, glass, aramid) and considers properties such as stiffness, strength, ductility, thermal stability, moisture interaction, surface roughness, and cross-sectional geometry. The typology integrates microstructure features like crystallinity and fibril orientation as well as macroscale behavior in composites or textiles.

Classification approach: A fibertyp scheme uses multiple axes to group fibers into categories that reflect performance patterns, rather than material family. Example axes include origin (natural vs synthetic), load-bearing mechanism (fiber-dominated vs composite-dominated action), environmental sensitivity, and processing compatibility. Proposals in the literature describe provisional classes, but there is no universal standard.

Applications: The framework is used in research to compare candidate fibers for specific roles in composites, filtration media, protective textiles, and biomedical textiles, aiding material selection and design decisions.

Limitations and relation: Fibertyp is not a widely adopted standard; it complements but does not replace existing material classifications such as fiber type or polymer family. It is related to concepts like typology, fiber reinforcement theories, and performance-based material selection.