How is the discovery of artificial threads and the evolution of artificial threads?
Answers
For thousands of years, mankind created textiles from natural fibers found in the wild. Many of these natural fibers were cultivated or spun, such as cotton, wool, and silk. Each of these natural fibers have their limitations. For instance, cotton and linen tend to wear out after multiple washings. Wool shrinks easily and attracts moths. But despite these shortcomings, mankind learned to live with natural fibers to create apparel and furnishings. In fact, it was only a mere century ago that scientists developed synthetic fibers to improve on animal and plant fibers found naturally in the wild. Today, manufactured fibers account for nearly half of all fabric production. Synthetic fibers can be found in modern apparel, home furnishings, medicine, and even aeronautics.
Synthetic fibers are created from small molecules called synthesized polymers. These are created through a process known as extrusion. The manufacture of synthetic fibers occurs by forcing synthesized polymers through spinnerets and into the air. This creates a thread, which can be used to produce any number of textiles. The compounds used to create synthesized polymers come from raw materials such as petrochemicals. These chemicals are polymerized into a long and linear chemical that bonds two carbon atoms. Different fibers are produced from various chemical compounds. While there are numerous synthetic fibers available, four remain dominant on the market: acrylic, nylon, polyester, and polyolefin. These four account for nearly 98 percent of synthetic fiber production.
The manufacturing of synthetic fibers occurs when using one of several methods. The most common method is called melt-spinning, a process that involves heating strands of fiber until they start to melt. From there, the melt must be drawn out using tweezers and aligned in a parallel fashion. This allows the fibers to crystallize and orient. Another method is called heat-setting, a method that requires heat to permeate heat-sensitive fabric.
Synthetic fiber came into existence during the early 1880s. Sir Joseph Swan, a prominent chemist and innovator, invented the first synthetic fiber by modifying the fiber in tree bark. The fiber produced by Swan closely resembled the carbon filament used in his development of the incandescent light bulb. Swan realized the potential for this fiber to revolutionize the textile industry. As a result, he produced a wide array of fabrics that he unveiled at the International Inventions Exhibition in London.
Hilaire de Chardonnet took synthetic fiber production in a new direction. This French engineer and industrialist invented the first artificial silk, which presented a solution to the silk shortage that resulted from the destruction of French silk worms. Chardonnet’s contribution led to the discovery of nitrocellulose, a viable replacement for real silk. Chardonnet developed a product to present at the Paris Exhibition of 1889 in response to this discovery. Unfortunately, his material was highly flammable. This material was replaced with other, more stable materials.
Charles Frederick Cross developed the first successful process in 1894 that led to the discovery of the fiber called “viscose.” He named this fiber after the viscous solution of xanthate. The first commercial viscose rayan resin came into existence in 1924. It was the first commercial liquid used to create rayon and cellophane. A similar product, known as cellulose acetate, emerged in 1865. Rayon and acetate are artificial fibers; however, they are not truly synthetic, since they come from wood.
Synthetic fibers possess several advantages over their natural counterparts. For starters, synthetic fibers do not depend on agricultural output. Synthetic fiber is also cheaper than natural fiber. Fabric made from synthetic fiber is easier to wash and dries more quickly. Lastly, synthetic fabric is generally stain-resistant. Bugs, fungi, and other rot do not affect synthetic fiber the same way as natural fiber. The disadvantages of synthetic fibers revolve around their low melting temperature. For instance, they tend to burn more readily than natural fibers. They are prone to heat damage and melt relatively easily. Synthetic fibers are prone to damage when washed in hot water. Lastly, they tend to produce more electrostatic charge than natural fibers. Common synthetic fibers include acrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, carbon fiber, and modacrylic.