Synthetic Fibres: An Overview

Synthetic fibres are man-made fibres that are produced through chemical processes. They are created by combining various chemicals and synthetic polymers in laboratories and factories. Unlike natural fibres that are sourced from plants or animals, synthetic fibres are entirely manufactured.

Reasons for their Name: Synthetic

The term "synthetic" is used to describe these fibres because they are artificially produced and do not occur naturally. They are fabricated by humans using chemical reactions and processes, which distinguishes them from natural fibres.

Key Points:
- Synthetic fibres are derived from petroleum-based materials, such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum oil.
- They are made by polymerizing monomers, which are small molecules, into long chains called polymers.
- The process of creating synthetic fibres involves spinning these polymers into filaments or threads.
- Synthetic fibres possess various desirable characteristics, including strength, durability, resistance to wrinkles, and ease of care.
- Due to their synthetic nature, these fibres can be engineered to have specific properties, such as being flame-resistant or water-repellent.
- Synthetic fibres often have a smooth texture and can be made to resemble natural fibres like silk, cotton, or wool.
- Some common examples of synthetic fibres include polyester, nylon, acrylic, rayon, and spandex.

Advantages of Synthetic Fibres
1. Durability: Synthetic fibres are known for their strength and resistance to wear and tear. They are less prone to damage caused by stretching, shrinking, or mildew, ensuring longer-lasting products.
2. Easy Maintenance: Synthetic fibres are generally easy to wash and require little to no ironing. They are quick-drying and often wrinkle-resistant.
3. Versatility: Synthetic fibres can be manufactured to mimic the appearance and texture of natural fibres, offering a wide range of options for different applications.
4. Cost-effective: Synthetic fibres are often less expensive to produce compared to natural fibres, making them more affordable for consumers.
5. Specialized Properties: Synthetic fibres can be engineered to possess specific properties like flame resistance, water repellency, or UV protection, making them suitable for various industries and applications.

Conclusion

Synthetic fibres are named as such because they are artificially produced through chemical processes rather than being derived from natural sources. Their creation involves combining chemicals and synthetic polymers, which are then spun into filaments or threads. Synthetic fibres offer several advantages such as durability, easy maintenance, versatility, cost-effectiveness, and specialized properties, making them a popular choice in various industries and applications.

Some fibres are called synthetic because they are not made from natural fibres. Instead, they are made by chemical processing of petrochemicals. The synthetic fibres are made up of very large units called polymers. Some of the synthetic fibres are - nylon, rayon, acrylon.