Key Characteristics and Applications of Synthetic Fibres
Fibers are elongated thick-walled cells with pointed ends and cellulose is present in its cell walls. It may or may not contain lignin. In the environment, apart from three natural sources(plant fiber, animal fiber, mineral fiber), fiber can be synthesized chemically from different kinds of materials and these types of fibers are named Synthetic fiber. Nylon, terylene, and rayon are different kinds of synthetic fibers. Other types of fibers include artificial silk or alginate yarn that are regenerated from carbohydrates and materials. There are also some fibers that are regenerated from the protein and bridal regenerated from groundnut protein.
What are the Types of Synthetic Fibre
There are different types of synthetic fibers, these are
Polyester
Acrylic
Rayon
Nylon
Polyester
Polyester= Poly+ester
It is a category of polymer which contains an ester group in their main chain. The term polyester is used in specifying the material which is known as PET (Polyethylene terephthalate).
Properties of Polyester
As Polyester is a category of polymer, it is very strong
Polyester is very resistant to shrinkage and it is very resistant to chemicals also.
Polyester is very durable.
As polyester is hydrophobic in nature, it gets dry quickly.
As polyester is very strong, it retains its shape.
It is easily washable.
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Uses
Polyester suits are made from Polyester.
It is used to make Industrial rope.
It is used to make pet bottles.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber made from polyacrylonitrile named polymer. Character-wise, Acrylic fiber resembles wool. It is also known as Polyacrylonitrile. This fabric is considered a fossil fuel based-fiber because it is produced by reacting to a variety of monomers with specific coal or petroleum-based chemicals.
Properties of Acrylic
These types of synthetic fibers are flexible and soft.
Acrylic fibers are warm and light.
It is very much resistant to chemicals and moths or any other insects.
Instead of wool, it is used because these types of synthetic fibers give a wool-like feel.
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Uses
It is used in making a blanket, Shawls, Jacket, etc.
Rayon Synthetic
Rayon is an important synthetic fiber which is known as viscose-rayon regenerated cellulose.
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Properties of Rayon
Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber.
This type of synthetic fiber is a versatile fiber.
It can be dried easily.
These types of synthetic fibers do not insulate body heat. Thus, it is used in hot and humid climates.
These types of fibers are soft enough and it is comfortable and highly absorbent.
Uses
It is mainly used for making fabric.
It is used for the preparation of surgical dressing and viscose-rayon absorbent wool.
Rayon is used in making cheap garments that have low prices.
Nylon
Nylon is an important type of Synthetic fibers. It is a polymer of adipic acid hexamethylenediamine. There is another synthetic fiber Terylene which is distinguished from nylon. These were terylene retains its structure on boiling with phosphoric acid.
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Properties of Nylon
It is a polyamide
These fibers are highly lustrous to dull, white, or colored.
It is soluble in hydrochloric acid and it is insoluble in acetone
It can be dried easily.
Uses
It is used for filter cloths.
These types of synthetic fibers are used for sieves.
It is used as non-absorbable sutures.
Difference between Natural Fibres and Synthetic Fibres
Learning the Types of Synthetic Fibres with Properties and Uses
There are several types of synthetic fibres that you must know about. By learning about the types of synthetic fibres with properties and uses, you can understand the difference between these fibres and natural fibres. Not only this, but it will also help you differentiate between synthetic fibres and other man-made fibres. In this topic, you will get to learn the properties of different types of synthetic fibres and how they are used for various purposes. If you want to start learning the concept of synthetic fibres, you can follow the tips mentioned below.
When you start learning about the types of synthetic fibres, you should have a clear understanding of what synthetic fibres are.
Learn the types of synthetic fibres along with their properties and uses that will help you differentiate between these fibres.
Not only synthetic fibres, but you should also learn about natural and other man-made fibres to understand the difference between all these different kinds of fabrics.
Use your textbook to read the detailed explanations and definitions of the types of synthetic fibres to get an idea of what these fibres are and how they are different from other fibres.
To learn more about the types of synthetic fibers with properties and uses, you can use Vedantu’s e-learning platform that provides you with the best study materials to help you study and secure an excellent score in the exams.
Once you have completely understood the types of synthetic fibers with properties and uses, you should start practicing with questions given in your textbooks, reference books, previous year question papers, and sample papers to test your knowledge and check whether you need more preparation or not.
Why is it Important to learn the Types of Synthetic Fibres with Properties and Uses?
Since synthetic fibers are an essential part of our life, it is important to learn about the different types of synthetic fibers with properties and uses. Not only synthetic fibers, but you should even learn the different kinds of natural and manmade fibres too. By learning the types of synthetic fibres with properties and uses, you can understand the importance of synthetic fibres in our lives. Below are some more reasons why you should learn types of synthetic fibres with properties and uses.
Since there are several types of synthetic fibres, having different properties and uses, it is better to know about each type to understand the difference between them.
Learning about synthetic fibers will not only enhance your knowledge of fibers but will also help you score well in the exam.
If you know about the types of synthetic fibers with properties and uses, you will be able to differentiate between natural and synthetic fibers.
Learning the types of synthetic fibers with properties and uses will also help you understand why these fibers are important and how they are used in our daily lives.
With this topic, you can also explore the process of production of different types of synthetic fibers.
FAQs on Types of Synthetic Fibres: Properties, Uses & Examples
1. What are the main types of synthetic fibres as per the CBSE Class 8 syllabus for 2025-26?
According to the Class 8 NCERT syllabus, the primary types of synthetic fibres that students need to understand are:
- Rayon: Often called 'artificial silk', it is made from the chemical treatment of wood pulp.
- Nylon: The first fully synthetic fibre, known for its strength, elasticity, and lightness.
- Polyester: A very popular fibre known for being crisp, easy to wash, and wrinkle-resistant. Terylene is a common example.
- Acrylic: A synthetic alternative to wool, it is lightweight, soft, and warm, and available in many colours.
2. What are some common examples of synthetic fibres that we use in our daily lives?
Synthetic fibres are found in numerous everyday items. For example:
- Nylon is used to make ropes for rock climbing, fishing nets, toothbrushes, parachutes, and seat belts due to its high strength.
- Polyester is commonly used for making fabrics for shirts and trousers, sarees, as well as PET bottles and jars for storage.
- Rayon is blended with cotton to make bedsheets or with wool to make carpets, giving them a lustrous finish.
- Acrylic is used for making sweaters, shawls, and blankets as a more affordable and easy-to-maintain alternative to natural wool.
3. Why is rayon called an 'artificial silk' even though its raw material comes from a natural source?
Rayon is called artificial silk because its texture and shiny appearance are very similar to natural silk. Although its raw material, cellulose, is sourced from natural wood pulp, it undergoes extensive chemical treatment with substances like sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide to be converted into a fibre. Since it is chemically processed by humans and not obtained directly as a fibre from nature, it is classified as a semi-synthetic or man-made fibre, not a natural one.
4. How are synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester fundamentally different from natural fibres like cotton?
The fundamental difference lies in their chemical origin and properties. Synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester are polymers made from raw materials derived from petrochemicals (petroleum). In contrast, natural fibres like cotton are made of cellulose, a natural polymer. This difference leads to varying properties: most synthetic fibres do not absorb moisture well, making them quick to dry, whereas cotton absorbs a lot of water. Furthermore, synthetic fibres typically melt on heating, while natural fibres like cotton tend to burn and turn to ash.
5. What are the general properties of synthetic fibres that make them so popular and widely used?
Synthetic fibres are popular due to a unique combination of desirable characteristics. The most important properties include:
- Durability: They are very strong and last longer than most natural fibres.
- Wrinkle-Resistance: Fabrics made from them do not crease easily and retain their shape.
- Quick-Drying: They absorb very little water, which allows them to dry quickly after washing.
- Affordability: They are generally less expensive to produce than natural fibres like silk or wool.
- Elasticity: Many synthetic fibres can be stretched and will return to their original size.
6. Why is it advised not to wear clothes made from synthetic fibres while working in a kitchen or near a fire?
This is a crucial safety precaution because of how synthetic fibres react to heat. Unlike natural fibres that burn, synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon melt upon heating. If these clothes catch fire, the molten fabric can stick to the skin, causing deep and severe burns that are very difficult to treat. Natural fibres like cotton, on the other hand, would burn to ash and are less likely to stick to the body, making them a safer choice near open flames.
7. What makes polyester a particularly versatile synthetic fibre?
Polyester's versatility comes from its ability to be used in many different forms and applications. It can be made into extremely fine fibres for weaving smooth fabrics or used to create strong, durable materials. A common form is PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), which is used to make water bottles and food containers. In textiles, it is often blended with natural fibres, such as in poly-cot (polyester and cotton) or poly-wool (polyester and wool), to combine the best properties of both materials, like comfort from cotton and durability from polyester.
