Properties of fibers - JSS3 Home economics Lesson Note
1. Cotton: Cotton is a vegetable fiber. It is made from balls of the cotton plant. The cotton fibers surround the seeds of the cotton plant.
Properties
- It absorbs moisture quickly. It is therefore suitable for the tropics
- It is reasonably strong and durable.
- It ceases or wrinkles quickly but irons well.
- It washes easily i.e it is washable.
2. Linen: This is a vegetable fiber. It is gotten from the stem of flax plant. The flax plant grows in countries such as France, Russia. It is not produced in Nigeria.
Properties
- It is stronger than cotton.
- It is absorbent and cool to wear.
- It dries slowly.
- It washes well
- It is a good conductor of heat.
3. Wool: This is an animal fiber. It is gotten from the hair if fleece sheep. The hair of camel, Angora, Rabbit or angora goat can also be used. It is commonly produced in Britain, Australia etc.
Properties
- A wool fiber has a scaly appearance.
- It is stronger when dry than when wet.
- It gives the smell of burning feather when burnt.
- It makes a very absorbent fabric.
- It is readily affected by bleach.
4. Silk: This is an animal fiber. It is produced by silk worms. Silk is produced chiefly in France, Italy, China, and Japan.
Properties
- It is a very strong fiber.
- It is smooth and fine.
- It is warm to touch.