Give some examples of synthetic fabrics and it's characterstics.
Answers
Types Of Synthetic Fabrics And Their Properties
Synthetic fibres are made from chemicals and can have superior properties to natural fibres such as cotton or silk. Synthetic textiles are made from either inorganic products or a mixture of organic ones and chemicals. Some can be strong and durable. Some might dry extra quickly and others might be absorbent or very easy to dye.
One example of a synthetic textile is acetate, which is made from the cellulose resulting from the deconstruction of wood pulp or cotton. Acetate is soft and silky and drapes well. It dyes well but does not absorb moisture easily which means it dries quickly. Acetate is resistant to mildew and shrinkage and is often used to make linings because it absorbs moisture from the body. Acetate is also used to make home furnishings such as drapes and bedspreads.
Another synthetic textile is acrylic which is soft and luxurious and also drapes well. It is not a heavy fabric but it gives warmth. It was originally used to make outdoor goods but now is common in clothing and carpet although pure acrylic can result in pilling. It can be dyed to bright colours. Acrylic is made from a petrochemical called acrylontrile.
Answer:
Fibres which are man-made are called synthetic fibres, e.g. nylon, acrylic, etc. A synthetic fibre is made of multiple units of a chemical substance. The units in a fibre are joined together like a chain.
Types of Synthetic Fibre
Rayon: Rayon was discovered towards the end of the nineteenth century. It was made by chemical treatment of wood pulp and was the first synthetic fibre.
Rayon is similar to silk but is cheaper than silk. Hence, rayon is also called ‘poor man’s silk’.
Rayon can be dyed in various colours.
Rayon is usually mixed with cotton to make bedsheet and dress materials.
Nylon: Nylon was made in 1931. The term ‘nylon’ has been derived from letters of ‘New York’ and ‘London’. No ingredient from plant or animal source was used in making nylon, as it is made from coal, water and air. Hence, nylon is called the first truly synthetic fibre.
Nylon is strong, light and elastic.
It is lustrous and easy to wash.
Nylon is used in many articles; like socks, bags, toothbrush, rope, sneakers, parachute, etc.
For the same thickness, a nylon thread is stronger than a steel wire.
Polyester: Polyester is made of repeating units of a chemical called ester.
Terylene is a popular polyester which is used in dress materials.
PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate) is another example of polyester. It is used for making bottles, utensils, films, wires and many other items.
Polyester fabrics do not wrinkle easily and are easy to wash.
Acrylic: Acrylic resembled wool and hence is also called synthetic wool. It is cheaper and more durable than wool, and is easier to wash and maintain.
Characteristics of Synthetic Fibres:
They are less expensive.
They are readily available.
They can be easily washed.
They are easy to maintain.