naturalfiber

Naturalfiber refers to fibers derived from natural sources that are used in textiles, composites, and other products. They are commonly grouped into plant-based fibers, such as cotton, flax (linen), hemp, jute, sisal, ramie, and coir, and animal-based fibers, including wool, silk, and cashmere. Natural fibers are typically renewable and biodegradable.

Plant fibers are obtained from seeds (cotton), bast fibers (flax, hemp, jute), or leaves (sisal). After harvest, processing involves retting, decortication, cleaning, and mechanical or chemical treatments to separate fibers and prepare them for spinning into yarns and weaving or nonwoven production. Animal fibers are cleaned, carded, and spun before use.

Natural fibers offer advantages such as low density, insulation, and moisture absorption, contributing to comfort in textiles and energy efficiency in composites. They are renewable and often require less energy to produce than synthetic counterparts, with potential for local sourcing and reduced greenhouse-gas emissions when managed responsibly.

Challenges include variability in quality, moisture sensitivity, and lower strength and stiffness compared with many synthetics. End-use performance can be affected by humidity and microbial growth; processing and finishing require careful controls, and dyeing can be more complex. In composites, compatibility with resins and moisture resistance are active research areas.

Applications span apparel, home textiles, and natural-fiber reinforced polymer composites used in automotive, construction, and consumer products. Sustainability considerations drive certification and standards, such as organic cotton programs and textile standards, along with life-cycle assessments to compare environmental impact and recyclability.