Deutsch: Faser / Español: Fibra textil / Português: Fibra / Français: Fibre / Italiano: Fibra tessile
Fiber (from the French fibre) is a rope or string used as a component of composite materials, or matted[disambiguation needed] into sheets to make products such as paper or felt. Fibers are often used in the manufacture of other materials. The strongest engineering materials are generally made as fibers, for example carbon fiber and Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene.
In an industrial context, "fiber" typically refers to a material consisting of elongated, thin, and flexible filaments that can be spun into a yarn and woven into textiles or used as a reinforcement material. The fiber industry encompasses all aspects of fiber production, including the processing, manufacturing, and distribution of fiber products. Some examples of industries related to fiber include:
- Textile manufacturing and production
- Fiber spinning and weaving
- Nonwovens production and processing
- Fiber composites and reinforced plastics manufacturing
- Carpet and rug production
- Technical textiles and industrial fabrics
- Fiber and yarn trading and distribution.