Question

What are synthetic fibres? Explain its disadvantages and advantages.

Give the answer in detail ​

Answer 1

Answer:

Synthetic fiber or synthetic fibre are fibers made by humans through chemical synthesis.

Explanation:

Synthetic fibres are man-made fibres, most of them are prepared from raw material petroleum called petrochemicals. All fabrics are obtained from fibres, while fibres are obtained from artificial or man-made sources. They consist of a small unit or a polymer which is made from many repeating units known as monomers. They include nylon, acrylics, polyurethane, and polypropylene. Millions of tons of these fibres are produced all over the world each year.

Classification of Synthetic Fibres

Following are some of the most commonly used synthetic fibres: Know more about Classifications of Fibers

Synthetic Fibre

1. Rayon

This is a type of synthetic fibre obtained from wood pulp.

Rayon fabric is soft, absorbent and comfortable.

It is easy to dye in a wide range of colours.

Rayon is mixed with cotton to make bedsheets.

Rayon is mixed with wool to make carpets.

2. Nylon

This type of synthetic fibre is obtained from coal, water and air.

Nylon is very lustrous, easy to wash and elastic.

It dries quickly and retains its shape.

Nylon finds its application in seat belts of car, sleeping bags, socks, ropes, etc.

Nylon is also used in ropes for rock climbing, making parachutes and fishing nets.

3. Polyester

This type of synthetic fibre is obtained from coal, water, air and petroleum.

Polyester is made from repeating units of a chemical known as esters.

Polyester is easy to wash and it remains wrinkle-free and it is quite suitable in making dress material.

Polyester retains its shape and remains crisp.

Polyester is used in making ropes, nets, raincoats, jackets, etc.

Answer 2

Answer:

• through chemical synthesis, as opposed to natural fibers that are directly derived from living organisms. They are the result of extensive research by scientists to improve upon naturally occurring animal and plant fibers

• Synthetic fibres have the following advantages.

1. Most synthetic fibres have good elasticity.
2. Most fabrics made of synthetic fibres do not wrinkle easily.
3. Fabrics made of synthetic fibres are generally more durable, less expensive, and more readily available than those made of natural fibres.
4. Most synthetic fibres can handle heavy loads without breaking.

Synthetic fibres have the following advantages.

Most synthetic fibres have good elasticity.Most fabrics made of synthetic fibres do not wrinkle easily.Fabrics made of synthetic fibres are generally more durable, less expensive, and more readily available than those made of natural fibres.Most synthetic fibres can handle heavy loads without breaking.

Activity

Aim: To compare the strength of different fibres

Materials needed: Weight box with different weights (1-100 g), iron stand with damp, hook or pan, thin threads of nylon, wool, cotton, and silk (of same length and almost equal thickness)

Method:

1. Tie one end of the nylon thread to a hook or pan and the other end to the clamp (figure a).

2. Put a small weight on the hook/pan (figure b).

3. Keep on increasing the weight till the thread breaks (figure c). Note the total weight required to break the thread.

4. Repeat the procedure with the other threads.

Observation: More weight is required to break the nylon thread as compared to the others.

Conclusion: The thread that breaks at the maximum weight (nylon) is the strongest.

• Synthetic fibres have the following disadvantages.

1. Most fabrics made from synthetic fibres require careful ironing as they melt easily.
2. Most fabrics made from synthetic fibres absorb very little moisture. They become sticky when the body sweats, which makes them uncomfortable to wear in hot weather.
3. Most fabrics made from synthetic fibres catch fire very easily. Therefore, it is dangerous to wear them near a source of fire (e.g., while working in the kitchen).