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Fibers are substances that are used in the production of materials and fabrics such as clothing, wires, and so on. All fabrics can be classified as natural or synthetic fibers (or a blend of the two). Natural fibers are fibers that are made from natural materials such as plants and animals. Synthetic fibers are those created through chemical synthesis. Natural fibers are derived from plants and animals, whereas synthetic fibers are derived from chemical compounds, and each is valued in the textile industry for different reasons.
Also Read: Polythene
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Key Takeaways: Difference between Natural and Synthetic Fibers, Natural fiber, Synthetic fibers, Plant fibers, Animal fibers
Natural Fibers
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Natural fibers are those produced by plants or animals linen and cotton are two of the best examples of plant fibers. Wool and silk are two examples of animal fibers. They are naturally coloured. If coloring is required, dying is a simple process. Natural fabrics are typically comfortable to wear. It's good for the environment. When burned, it decomposes into ash. When compared to synthetic fibers, these fibers have a limited use.
Examples of Natural Fibers
- Animal fibers: These are fibers obtained from animals. Wool, silk, and other natural fibers are examples.
- Wool is a natural textile fiber that is derived from sheep, goats, and camels. It holds a lot of air in. Air is a poor heat conductor. This makes woolen clothing useful in the winter.
- Silk: Silk is another natural textile fiber derived from silkworms.. Sericulture is the practice of rearing silkworms for the purpose of produring silk.
- Plant fibers: These are fibers derived from plants. These fibers are extracted from plants and used to make fabrics.
- Cotton is a type of plant fiber that is used to make clothing. It is a soft staple fiber found in cotton plants as a boll around the seeds.
- Jute is a soft, shiny vegetable fiber that is spun into coarse, strong threads called yarns.
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Synthetic Fibers
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Synthetic fibers are man-made fibers created in laboratories. Acrylic, nylon, and polyester are examples of synthetic fibers. Colors can be added as needed. Coloring is a difficult task. When compared to natural fibers, these fabrics are not as comfortable to wear. It is not environmentally friendly because some fibers, such as polypropylene, are harmful to the environment. When burned, it melts and emits a chemical scent. These fibers are stronger than natural fibers.
Read More- Cotton Cultivation
Synthetic Fiber Examples
Some of the Examples of Synthetic Fibers are as follows-
- Rayon is a fabric made from wood pulp, because it resembles silk, it is also known as artificial silk.
- Nylon was the very first synthetic fiber. It is used to make ropes, sleeping bags, parachutes, and various types of clothing. It is one of the most powerful fibers known to man.
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Difference between Natural and Synthetic Fibers
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Here are some of the major differences between natural and synthetic fibers to help you understand how they differ from one another:
| Natural Fibers | Synthetic Fibers |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers come from nature | Synthetic fibers are man made fibers |
| They have a natural color | Color as per requirement is added in color bath |
| During spinning process spinneret is not necessary | During spinning process spinneret is necessary for the production of filament |
| Chances of containing dust or impurities | No chance of any dust or impurities |
| Less durable than synthetic | More durable than natural |
Read Also: Properties of Nylon
Points to Remember
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- Natural fibers are derived from plants and animals, whereas synthetic fibers are derived from chemical compounds, and each is valued differently in the textile industry.
- stronger and longer-lasting than natural fiber They are extremely resistant to wear and tear. Abrasion resistance is high in synthetic fibers. They dry in less time because they absorb less water than natural fibers.
- Natural fibers have some properties which are low energy consumption, low density, non-abrasive nature, low cost, renewability, biodegradability, easy availability, and worldwide abundance.
- Different fibers have different strengths, burning characteristics, water absorption capacity, cost, durability, and so on.
- Plastic takes several years to decompose; it is not environmentally friendly and causes pollution; therefore, we should avoid using plastics as much as possible.
- Synthetic fibers are classified into four types based on the chemicals used in their production: nylon, rayon, polyester, and acrylic. Plastics are widely used in the healthcare industry, such as tablet packaging, thread for stitching wounds, syringes, doctor's gloves, and so on.
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Sample Questions
Ques. What are natural fibers? Give some advantages. [5 Marks]
Ans. Natural fibers, also known as natural fibers, are produced by plants, animals, and geological processes. They can be used in composite materials where the orientation of the fibers influences the properties. Natural fibers can be flattened and used to make paper or felt by flattening them into sheets.Natural fibers have the following advantages:
- They are fire resistant.
- Natural fibers do not emit poisonous gasses when burned.
- Natural fibers are inexpensive.
- Because these fibers absorb sweat and water, such clothes are ideal for the summer months.
Ques. What are some natural fiber examples? [2 Marks]
Ans. Plant fibers include seed hairs such as cotton, stem (or bast) fibers such as flax and hemp, leaf fibers such as sisal, and husk fibers such as coconut. Animal fibers include wool, hair, and secretions such as silk.
Ques. What exactly is man-made fiber? Give some of its advantages. [2 Marks]
Ans. The two most common types are synthetic and cellulosic man-made fibers (MMF). Cellulosic fibers are derived from wood pulp, whereas synthetic fibers are derived from crude oil. The most common synthetic staple fibers are polyester, acrylic, and polypropylene. Cellulosic fibers include viscose, modal, and other cellulosic fibers.
Some of the advantages of synthetic fibers are:
- Synthetic fibers have the advantage of being easily washed and dried.
- They are simple to care for.
- They are less expensive than natural fibers.
- They are easily accessible.
- They do not wrinkle easily and are extremely durable.
Ques. What are the characteristics of fiber? [2 Marks]
Ans. The type of fiber affects essential properties such as strength, durability, handling, elasticity, dyeability, luster, friction properties, moisture absorption, heat isolation, and abrasion resistance, as well as all physical and chemical properties of fibers and their end-products.
Ques. Describe the two methods for synthesizing synthetic fibers. [2 Marks]
Ans. Synthetic fibers can be created in two ways: by regenerating them from natural fibers, such as rayon, or by creating them from scratch.
By relying solely on chemicals and chemical reactions, such as in nylon.
Ques. Why is it not recommended to wear synthetic clothing when working in a laboratory or around fire in the kitchen? [2 Marks]
Ans. When heated, synthetic fibers melt. With synthetic fibers, this is actually a disadvantage. It can be extremely dangerous if the cloth catches fire. The fabric melts and adheres to the person wearing it. As a result, it is not recommended to wear synthetic clothing while working in a laboratory or around fire in the kitchen.
Ques. Plastics are a hazard to the environment.' Explain the following statement. [3 Marks]
Ans. Yes, plastics are a hazard to the environment. They produce versatile materials but are extremely hazardous to the environment. In nature, plastics are not biodegradable. It takes more than a century for it to decompose. If we do not reduce our use of plastics, our planet will become a giant garbage dump.
- The major issues caused by plastics are as follows: When plastics are burned, they emit poisonous gasses. These gasses deplete the earth's ozone layer and pollute the environment.
- When plastics are disposed of in drains, they clog the drains and cause waterlogging.
- If these plastics are consumed by innocent animals along with their food, they harm their digestive system, resulting in death.
Ques. List the two methods for producing synthetic fibers. [2 Marks]
Ans. Synthetic fibers can be produced in two ways:
- By recreating them from natural fibers, such as rayon.
- By relying solely on chemicals and chemical reactions, such as in nylon.
Ques. List two applications for rayon. [2 Marks]
Ans. The two applications of rayon are as follows:
It is used to make clothing such as shirts and blouses.
It is used in the production of furniture and upholstery.
Ques. What are the applications of polyester? [2 Marks]
Ans. The application of polyester are as follows-
Polyester is used in the manufacture of home furnishings and clothing.
Polyester is a type of finish used on guitars and pianos.
Ques. How can we avoid plastics as responsible citizens? [3 Marks]
Ans. As responsible citizens, we can avoid plastics by implementing the following practises:
Instead of plastic, use steel or copper water bottles.
Instead of plastic, use cotton or jute carry bags.
Using a steel lunch box as opposed to a plastic one.
Ques. Describe the Thermoplasticand Thermosetting plasticswith examples. [4 Marks]
Ans. Thermoplastic : Thermoplastics are materials that are easily deformed when heated. They are malleable and easily bendable. Thermoplastics are primarily used in the production of toys and combs. polythene and PVC are two examples of Thermoplastics.
Thermosetting plastics
Ans: Thermosetting plastics can only be molded once and cannot be softened by heating. Bakelite and melamine are two examples of thermosetting plastics. Melamine is a fire-resistant and heat-tolerant material that is used to make floor tiles, kitchenware, and fabrics. Bakelite is a poor conductor of heat and electricity and is used to make electrical switches, utensil handles, and other household items.
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