Tekstiilkiud

Tekstiilkiud refers to the basic unit of a textile material. These fibers are the building blocks from which threads and yarns are spun, and ultimately woven or knitted into fabrics. Tekstiilkiud can be broadly categorized into two main groups: natural fibers and man-made fibers.

Natural fibers are derived from plants and animals. Plant-based natural fibers include cotton, flax (linen), hemp, and jute, which are harvested from the cellulose found in plant stems and seeds. Animal-based natural fibers are primarily protein-based, such as wool from sheep, silk from silkworms, and cashmere from goats. These natural fibers have been used for millennia due to their inherent properties like absorbency, breathability, and comfort.

Man-made fibers, also known as synthetic or artificial fibers, are produced through chemical processes. These can be further divided into regenerated cellulosic fibers and synthetic fibers. Regenerated cellulosic fibers, like rayon (viscose) and modal, are made from natural cellulose that has been chemically processed. Truly synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex (elastane), are derived from petrochemicals through complex polymerization processes. Man-made fibers are often engineered to possess specific qualities like durability, wrinkle resistance, elasticity, or water repellency, offering a wider range of performance characteristics for various applications. The choice of tekstiilkiud significantly influences the properties and end-use of the final textile product.