Fiber Length to Width Ratio

There are several primary properties necessary for a polymeric material to make an adequate fiber (1) fiber length to width ratio, (2) fiber uniformity, (3) fiber strength and flexibility, (4) fiber extensibility and elasticity, and (5) fiber cohesiveness. 

Certain other fiber properties increase its value and desirability in its intended end-use but are not necessary properties essential to make a fiber. Such secondary properties include moisture absorption characteristics, fiber resiliency, abrasion resistance, density, luster, chemical resistance, thermal characteristics, and flammability. A more detailed description of both primary and secondary properties follows. 

Fiber Length to Width Ratio Fibrous materials must have sufficient length so that they can be made into twisted yarns. In addition, the width of the fiber (the diameter of the cross section) must be much less than the overall length of the fiber, and usually the fiber diameter should be 1/100 of the length of the fiber. The fiber may be infinitely long, as found with continuous filament fibers, or as short as 0.5 inches (1.3 em), as found in staple fibers. Most natural fibers are staple fibers, whereas man-made fibers come in either staple or filament form depending on processing prior to yam formation. 

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