Question

essay on importance of synthetic fibres

Answer 1

Synthetic fibers are made from synthesized polymers or small molecules. The compounds that are used to make these fibers come from raw materials such as petroleum based chemicals or petrochemicals. These materials are polymerized into a long, linear chemical that bond two adjacent carbon atoms. Differing chemical compounds will be used to produce different types of fibers. Although there are several different synthetic fibers, they generally have the same common properties. Generally, they are known for being: Heat-sensitive

Resistant to most chemicals
Resistant to insects, fungi and rot.
Low moisture absorbency
Electrostatic
Flame resistant
Density or specific gravity
May pill easily
Low melting temperature
Often less expensive than natural fibers.
Easy to wash and maintain.

Before synthetic fibers were developed, artificially manufactured fibers were made from cellulose, which comes from plants. These fibers are called cellulose fibers.

Advantages
Synthetic fibers do not depend either on an agricultural crop or on animal farming. They are generally cheaper than natural fiber. Synthetic fibers possess unique characteristics which make them popular dress material. They dry up quickly, are durable, readily available and easy to maintain. More stain resistant than natural fibres

Disadvantages
Synthetic fibers burn more readily than natural
Prone to heat damage, they melt relatively easily
Prone to damage by hot washing
More electrostatic charge is generated by rubbing than with natural fibres There are several methods of manufacturing synthetic fibers but the most common is the Melt-Spinning Process. It involves heating the fiber until it begins to melt, then you must draw out the melt with tweezers as quickly as possible. The next step would be to draw the molecules by aligning them in a parallel arrangement. This brings the fibers closer together and allows them to crystallize and orient. Lastly, is Heat-Setting. This utilizes heat to permeate the shape/dimensions of the fabrics made from heat-sensitive fibers. Synthetic fibers account for about half of all fiber usage, with applications in every field of fiber and textile technology.

Although many classes of fiber based on synthetic polymers have been evaluated as potentially valuable commercial products, four of them – nylon, polyester, acrylic and polyolefin – dominate the market. These four account for approximately 98 percent by volume of synthetic fiber production, with polyester alone accounting for around 60 per cent.[1] The first artificial fiber, known as artificial silk, became known as viscose around 1894, and finally rayon in 1924. A similar product known as cellulose acetate was discovered in 1865. Rayon and acetate are both artificial fibers, but not truly synthetic, being made from wood. Although these artificial fibers were discovered in the mid-nineteenth century, successful modern manufacture began much later (see the dates below). Nylon, the first synthetic fiber, made its debut in the United States as a replacement for silk, just in time for World War II rationing. Its novel use as a material for women’s stockings overshadowed more practical uses, such as a replacement for the silk in parachutes and other military uses.

Common synthetic fibers include:

Nylon (1931)
Modacrylic (1949)
Olefin (1949)
Acrylic (1950)
Polyester (1953)
Carbon fiber (1958)
Specialty synthetic fibers include:
Vinyon (1939)
Saran (1941)
Spandex (1959)
Vinalon (1939)
Aramids (1961) – known as Nomex, Kevlar and Twaron
Modal (1960’s)
Dyneema/Spectra (1979)
PBI (Polybenzimidazole fiber) (1983)
Sulfar (1983)
Lyocell (1992) (artificial, not synthetic)
PLA (2002)
M-5 (PIPD fiber)
Orlon
Zylon (PBO fiber)