Test: Synthetic Fibres & Plastics- 2 - UPSC MCQ

Fibres may be synthetic like nylon, natural like cotton and wool or artificial fibre like rayon. These fibres are used to obtain clothes and a number of household articles.

PVC is an economical and versatile material that is used in a variety of applications in the building and construction, healthcare, electronics, and automobile industries. In the electrical field, PVC is primarily used to make pipes, wire cover, and switches. PVC is easily moulded, strong and light in weight, making it an ideal material for the protection of cables and wiring in electrical applications. It also has a high insulation resistance, meaning that it can effectively protect electrical components from short circuiting. PVC is also flame retardant, making it a safe choice for electrical wiring and components.

Thermoplastics are soft and less brittle in nature. Thermoplastic gets deformed easily on heating and can be bent easily such as polythene and PVC.

Natural Silk: The protein fibre of silk is composed mainly of fibroin and is produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoons.
Rayon: Rayon is a manufactured regenerated cellulose fibre. It is made from purified cellulose, primarily from wood pulp, which is chemically converted into a soluble compound.
Nylon: Nylon is a strong, light synthetic fibre. Nylon thread is made from the polymerization of an amine and an acid chloride. 
Polyester: Polyester is a synthetic polymer made of purified terephthalic acid or its dimethyl ester dimethyl terephthalate and mono ethylene glycol. 
Hence, the correct option is B.

Synthetic plastic may be thermoplastic or thermosetting. Bakelite is the oldest synthetic plastic which is poor conductor of heat and electricity. It is used to make electrical switches.

Nylon is used for making parachutes and stockings. As nylon is strong, elastic and light in weight.

Synthetic fibres are long lasting, non-biodegradable but less expensive than natural fibres. They are prepared by a number of processes using raw materials of petroleum origin.

Nylon

Nylon is another man-made fibre. In 1931, it was made without using any natural raw material (from plant or animal). It was prepared from coal, water and air. It was the first fully synthetic fibre.

Nylon is first man-made fibre produced chemically coal, water and air. Nylon fibre is strong, elastic and light. It is lustrous and easy to wash.

Polypropylene is the lightest plastic material which is used for packing and labelling. Laboratory equipment are also made from polypropylene.