Fibers or fibres are a class of hair-like materials that are continuous filaments or are in discrete elongated pieces, similar to pieces of thread. They can be spun into filaments, thread, or rope. They can be used as a component of composite materials. They can also be matted into sheets to make products such as paper or felt. Fibers are of three types: natural fiber, cellulose fiber, and synthetic fiber. The earliest evidence for humans using fibers is the discovery of wool and dyed flax fibers found in a prehistoric cave in the Republic of Georgia that date back to 36,000 BP.
Natural fibers are made from plant, animal and mineral sources. Natural fibers can be classified according to their origin. Like water hyacinth, abaca, banana leaf, seagrass.
Most fibre is pulped and processed into specialty paper used in tea bags, vacuum bags, currency, and more. It can be used to make handcrafts like bags, carpets, clothing and furniture. Fibre rope is very durable, flexible and resistant to salt water damage, allowing its use in hawsers, ship’s lines and fishing nets. Natural fibre was once used primarily for rope, but this application is now of minor significance.
