Question

describe an experiment to compare the water absorption capacity synthetic and natural fibres

Answer 1

The absorption capacity of different types of fibres is dependent on several factors including their chemical composition. To determine the water absorption capacity of synthetic and natural fibres, we can perform a simple experiment using everyday household items.

 

The items required will be two beakers, a synthetic thread, a natural thread, two sheets of tissue paper and a bottle of ink.

 

To set up the experiment, dip both the threads in separate beakers filled with water. The remaining part of the thread should lie on one end of the tissue paper. On the other end, put a drop of ink, and observe the changes that occur.

 

The rate at which the drop smears is an indication of the water absorption capacity of the fibre.

 

The logic behind the experiment is that the water absorption capacity will be fastest for the thread which is able to transfer water on to the tissue first and smear the ink drop.  

Answer 2

Try to put a piece of nylon soaked in a glass filled with water.

Do the same with a piece of cotton cloth.

Observe after 12 hours which fabric has soaked more water.

You will notice cotton as a natural fabric has soaked more water than nylon since the latter is a synthetic fiber.