Tag: chemistry

Synthetic fabrics are textiles made from man-made rather than natural fibers. Synthetic (chemically produced) fibres are made by joining monomers into polymers, through a process called polymerization. A synthetic fibre, when magnified, looks like plastic spun together. Polymerization is the formation of macromolecules through repetition of basic units. Initially, the various components are solids and first must be converted to a liquid state to be extruded into fibers. The materials are chemically converted, dissolved, or melted, turning into a thick liquid.

Clothes made of pure synthetic fibres are garishly lustrous. Synthetic fibres melt before burning. So clothes made of such fibres stick to the skin when in contact with a flame, causing burns. Therefore, they should not be worn in the kitchen or while setting off fireworks. 

Cellulose (say, cotton) is dissolved in a mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and carbon disulphide ($CS _2$, a solvent). A viscous liquid (i.e., a liquid which cannot flow freely) called viscose is obtained. The viscose is then forced through spinnerets (which have small holes) into an acid bath, and filaments of viscose rayon are obtained.

Plastic follow all the 4R principles: Reduce, reuse, recycle, restore.

Artificial fibres is other name given to synthetic fibres. Examples of synthetic fibres are nylon, PVC, polyester, etc.

Bakelite is the first synthetic thermosetting plastics.

Acrylic is a man-made fiber it resembles wool and hence it is also known as artificial wool or synthetic wool.  In commercial use acrylic is cheaper than natural wool and can be dyed in various colours.

Synthetic materials in daily life are:

The fabrics that are produced entirely from chemicals are known as synthetic fabrics. Examples of synthetic fabrics are nylon, polyester, rayon, and acrylic

Synthetic fibres are not obtained from natural resource but it is manufactured in a laboratory using petrochemicals. Synthetic fabrics are textiles made from man-made rather than natural fibres. Examples of synthetic fabrics include polyester, acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate, spandex, latex, Orlon and kevlar. Synthetic (chemically produced) fabrics are made by joining monomers into polymers, through a process called polymerisation.