Synthetic Fibres

By Azam Khan,Vatsal Vatsyanan and Saeed

Haider

SYNTHETIC FIBRESA synthetic fibre is a chain of small chemical units joined together. Each small unit is called a monomer and the large chain formed of many such monomers is called a polymer.

The part poly in the word polymer means ‘many’ and mer means ‘unit’.

When a number of single units(manomers) are joined together, they form a long chain called polymer and the process is called polymerisation

Manomers can join either linearly or in a cross-linked way giving scope to the formation of different kinds of polymers.

When monomers are linearly linked, it is linear polymerisation. When cross linked it is called cross polymerisation.

TYPES OF SYNTHETIC FIBRES: RAYON Rayon is a manufactured

regenerated cellulose fiber. Because it is produced from naturally occurring polymers, it is neither a truly synthetic fiber nor a natural fiber; it is a semi-synthetic or artificial fiber. Rayon is known by the names viscose rayon and modal in the textile industry. It closely resembles silk.

Rayon is a versatile fiber and has the same comfort properties as natural fibers.

It can imitate the feel and texture of silk, wool, cotton and linen.

The fibers are easily dyed in a wide range of colors.

Rayon fabrics are soft, smooth, cool, comfortable, and highly absorbent.

Nylon IT IS A COMMON SYNTHETIC FIBRE WHICH IS

USED WIDELY ALL OVER THE WORLD. BASIC RAW MATERIALS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF NYLON ARE COAL, PETROLEUM OIL,WATER,AND AIR. THIS IS TOTALLY A MAN-MADE FIBRE. THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF NYLON ARE AS FOLLOWS:

DOES NOT CREASE EASILY.STRONG, EASY TO DYE, AND READILY AVAILABLE.

DOES NOT ABSORB WATER EASILY.SHOWS GOOD FRICTIONAL RÉSISTANCE. ELASTIC

IN NATURE AND HENCE HIGHLY DURABLE.

Polyester Polyester is  Although there

are many polyesters, the term "polyester" as a specific material most commonly refers to polyethylene terephthalate (PET).a polymer of many ester units.

Polyester fibers are extremely strong, very durable, resistant to most chemicals and do not get wrinkled easily.

Does not absorb water so dries quickly.

Highly Flammable.

ACRYLIC

This synthetic fibre is often used as a substitute for wool. It is manufactured as a filament, then cut into short staple lengths similar to wool hair, and spun into yarn. Fabric made from acrylic is warm to wear, retains its shape and is durable.• Its fibres are strong and have good

wrinkle resistance.• Acrylic is resistant to moths, oils,

chemicals and deterioration on exposure to sunlight.

• Acrylic is easy to wash and dries quickly.

Acrylic is lightweight, soft, and warm, with a wool-like feel. It can also be made to mimic other fibers, such as cotton, when spun on short staple equipment. Some acrylic is extruded in colored or pigmented form; other is extruded in "ecru", otherwise known as "natural," "raw white," or "undyed." Pigmented fiber has highest light-fastness. Its fibers are very resilient compared to both other synthetics and natural fibers. Some acrylic is used in clothing as a less expensive alternative to cashmere, due to the similar feeling of the materials. Some acrylic fabrics may fuzz or pill easily. Other fibers and fabrics are designed to minimize pilling. Acrylic takes color well, is washable, and is generally hypoallergenic. End-uses include socks, hats, scarves, sweaters, home furnishing fabrics, and awnings.

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