Types of Synthetic Fibres

Types of Synthetic Fibers:

1. Rayon: It is made from cellulose obtained from wood pulp. It is used to make containers, car upholstery, etc.
2. Nylon: A polyamide made from petroleum. It is lightweight, strong and durable. The fabric allows easy evaporation and dries quickly. It is used in parachutes, flak vests, combat uniforms, tires, etc.
3. Polyester: A versatile and important man-made fabric. It has an outstanding characteristic of resisting wrinkle and springing back into its crisp, smooth shape. It is strong and soft. It is used in dresses, suits, rainwear, etc.
4. Acrylic: A fibre similar to that of wool and is used to make sweater, blankets, shawls, etc. It is lightweight, soft and warm. Also, it is cheaper than natural wool. It is resistant to chemicals, moths and sunlight. Therefore, they are widely in use nowadays.

Rayon

Rayon is a versatile fiber and can imitate the feel and texture of silk, wool, cotton and linen with drape and slipperiness akin to nylon.

Why Rayon is called artificial silk?

Rayon resembles silk in appearance, texture and shine. Hence, it is also known as Artificial Silk.

Silk fiber was discovered in China and made from silkworms. It had a beautiful texture and was very costly. By the end of the 19th century, scientists managed to make an artificial silk-like fiber made by treating wood pulp chemically.

Uses of Rayon

This man-made fiber uses natural material (wood pulp) and can be woven like silk fiber. It is cheaper than silk and can be dyed in a variety of colours. It can be:

• Make apparel like suits, slacks, jackets etc.
• Make automobile tyre cords (because of their strength)
• Mixed with cotton to make bedsheets and bedspreads
• Mixed with wool to make carpets and blankets
• Used to make other home furnishings, such as curtains and tablecloths

Nylon

Nylon is the first synthetic fiber to be prepared without using any natural raw materials (materials produced by plants and animals).

Which properties make Nylon suitable for:

• Making Ropes used for Rock Climbing: Strong fiber, Lightweight, Weather Resistant
• Making Fishing Nets: Strong, Elastic, Water Resistant
• Making Tents: Strong, Light, Does Not Absorb Much Water, Dries Quickly

Uses of Nylon

Developed in 1931, this thermoplastic silky material is strong, elastic, light, lustrous and easy to wash. A nylon thread is, in fact, stronger than a steel wire. Hence, it is used to:

• Make clothes (including socks)
• Make parachutes as well as ropes for rock climbing
• Make ropes, toothbrushes, and car seat belts etc.
• Make tents, curtains, and sleeping bags

Polyester

Polyester fiber does not get wrinkled easily. Hence, a fabric made from this fiber is easy to wash and does not need to be ironed - which makes it suitable for dress material.

Polyester is made up of two words - 'poly' which means many, and 'ester' which is a chemical.

Esters are chemicals that give fruits their smell.

Name some types of Polyester fibers.

Some popular polyester fibers are:

Terylene (often known by the brand name Dacron) can be drawn into very fine fiber and can be woven like any other yarn.

Polyethylene terephthalate (P.E.T.) is used for making wires, films, bottles, utensils and other products.

What are blended fibers?

Blended fibers are formed by mixing natural and synthetic fibers. Polyester is often used in blended fibers. For Example,

• Polywool is made by mixing polyester and wool.
• Polycot is made by mixing polyester and cotton.
• Terrycot is made by mixing Terylene and cotton.

Uses of Polyester

Since polyester is strong, wrinkle-resistant and water-resistant, it has several uses. It can be used to:

• Make a variety of textiles (including sarees, curtains, dress materials etc.) and can be blended with natural fibers (like cotton and wool)
• Make films, magnetic recording tapes, etc (as Mylar)
• Make sails of sailboats
• Make water hoses for firefighting purposes

Acrylic

Acrylic is a strong, lightweight and warm synthetic fiber that resembles wool. It is available in a number of colours and is more durable and affordable than natural wool. Acrylic fiber, fabric, plastic, or paint are all made from acrylic acid. The word 'acrylic' means 'containing acryl (or acrolein)' Acrolein is the sharp and bitter liquid in onions and has its roots in two Latin words - 'Acer' which means 'sharp', and 'olere' which means 'to smell'.

Why storage of acrylic clothes is easier than woolen clothes?

Woolen clothes need naphthalene balls to protect them from attack by insects. Acrylic is synthetic wool and is hence, resistant to the action of moths and insects.

Uses of Acrylic Fibre

Acrylic can mimic wool as well as cotton at times and is hypoallergenic in nature. It means that people who have sensitive skin can wear it easily. Some acrylic fibers are very resilient – more than other natural or synthetic fibers. It can be used to:

• Make woolen clothes like hats, scarves, gloves, sweaters, blankets, and other home-furnishing fabrics.
• Make fake fur used for making toys and fur accessories.
• Make garments for babies (as the fabric is machine-washable).