Class 8 Science Chapter 3 Synthetic Fibres and Plastics
This article speaks about synthetic fibres, their properties and their types. Let’s first talk about Fibres. A fibre is a fine string made up of some material. However, fibres can be classified into natural fibres and synthetic fibres. Natural fibres are those which are obtained from plants or animals. For example, Cotton, Wool, Silk. Fibres that are generated from technological innovations and chemical treatments are called as artificial fibres, synthetic fibres or man made fibres. For example, Rayon, Nylon, Polyester and Acrylic. Synthetic fibres are made by very small chemical units joined repeatedly. These are also known as polymer. Polymer is a Greek word, where poly means many and mer means units. Polymer also occur nature in form of cotton. Cotton is made up of large number of glucose units.
Properties of Synthetic fibres
- Synthetic fibres are Durable
- Synthetic fibres are Less expensive
- They are Readily available
- Synthetic fibres have ability to dry up quickly
- On heating synthetic fibre melts
Let’s now talk about different types of synthetic fibres like Rayon, Nylon, Polyester and Acrylic.
Rayon
Rayon has an interesting story. China found that silk fibre is obtained from silkworm. Discovery of Rayon was kept as secret for many years. Later scientist manufactured silk artificially. By the end of nineteenth century, scientist were able to manufacture fibre just similar to silk by chemical treatment of wood pulp. This fibre has similar properties to silk hence, is named as artificial silk or Rayon. Moreover, Ryon is cheaper than silk, it can be woven like silk fibres, also, it can be colored similar to silk fibres using a dye. Rayon is used to make bedsheets. It is mixed with wool to make carpet.
Nylon
Nylon is the synthetic fibre prepared from coal, water and air. Therefore, nylon is true synthetic fibre because it is made without using any plant part. Also, nylon thread is well known for its strongness, i.e. nylon thread is as stronger as a steel wire. Moreover, nylon fibre is also elastic, as a result it has an ability to regain its shape. Nylon fibre is lighter as compared to similar fibres. Also, nylon is used to make socks, rope, toothbrushes, curtains, seat belts, cars, parachute, etc.
Polyester
Fabrics made out of polyester does not form fold. Moreover it is easy to wash such cloths. Therefore, polyester is suitable for making dress material. Terylene is one of the polyester fibres. Fibres made of terylene are very fine and can be woven like other thread. Also, PET is made up of polyester which is used to make bottles, utensils, wires, and other useful products.
Acrylic
This synthetic fibre resembles with wool and is also used as an alternative to wool. Mainly acrylic is used to make sweater, shawls, blanket, etc. it is available in number of colors and is cheaper than wool.
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Keywords: Natural Fibres, Polyester, Acrylic, Nylon, Rayon, Polymer, Cotton
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