Review of Natural Fibers. Part I-Vegetable Fibers

Natural fibers, which are an important part of human environment, are also valuable raw materials used for textile and non-textile production. Diversity of natural fiber shapes and forms is caused by their occurrence in different climatic zones. The abundance of the fiber sources arouses interest and gives opportunity for more comprehensive studies and, what follows, finding new applications for the fibers in industry. This paper presents collection of well-and little-known natural fibers from exotic plants that come from various climatic zones. Image analysis conducted by SEM techniques is a reliable method for evaluation of parameters characterizing surface and cross section of natural fibers. Some information about properties and application of the fibers is also provided.