Synthetic Fibres & Plastics

Synthetic Fibres

Synthetic fibres are the result of

extensive research by scientists to

improve on naturally

occurring animal and plant fibres. In

general, synthetic fibres are created by

forcing, usually through extrusion, fibre

forming materials through holes (called

spinnerets) into the air, forming a thread.

Synthetic Fibres

Nylon(Monomer- Hexamethylene)

Nylon is a generic designation for a

family of synthetic polymers known

generically as polyamides, first

produced on February 28, 1935,

by Wallace Carothers.

Polyester(Monomer- Ester)

Polyester is a category of polymers which

contain the ester functional group in their

main chain. Although there are many

polyesters, the term "polyester" as a specific

material most commonly refers

to polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Rayon(Monomer-Cellulose)

Rayon is a manufactured

regenerated cellulose fibre. Because it is

produced from naturally

occurring polymers, it is neither a

truly synthetic fibre nor a natural fibre; it is

a semi-synthetic

Acrylic(Monomer- Polyacrylonitrile)

Acrylic fibers are synthetic fibers made

from a polymer (polyacrylonitrile) with

an average molecular weight of

~100,000, about 1900 monomer units

Disadvantages of Synthetics

• Synthetic fibers melt before burning

• Some electrical charge accumulates on the synthetic fibers. The electrical charge causes irritation of the skin.

• Extremely hazardous to the environment.

• Can make you overheat

• Can make you cold when wet

Advantages of Synthetics

• Synthetic fibers do not depend either on an agricultural crop or

on animal farming.

• They are generally cheaper than natural fibre.

• Synthetic fibers possess unique characteristics which make them

popular dress material.

• They dry up quickly, are durable, readily available and easy to

Plastics

Plastics

A plastic material is any of a wide range

of synthetic or semi-

synthetic organic solids that

are mouldable. Plastics are

typically organic polymers of

high molecular mass, but they often

contain other substances. They are

usually synthetic, most commonly

derived from petrochemicals, but many

are partially natural.

Thermoplastics

A Thermoplastic, also known as

a thermosoftening plastic, is

a polymer that becomes pliable or

moldable above a specific temperature,

and returns to a solid state upon cooling

Thermosetting Plastics

A thermosetting plastic, also known as

a thermoset, is polymer material that

irreversibly cures. The cure may be done

through heat (generally above 200

°C (392 °F)), through a chemical reaction

(two-part epoxy, for example),

or irradiation such as electron beam

processing.

Be Alert…Melamine Cancer

If you eat in a Melamine Plate, you may

become a victim of Melamine Cancer.

Melamine is a thermosetting plastic and

is non-biodegradable. While eating

when we scratch the plate with the

spoon, the melamine coating also goes

into our body which may cause Cancer.

Check under your plates whether

Melamine made is written or not. Use

Bone China, Glass or Steel Plates

instead

Plastic….Harm to Environment

Plastics have transformed modern

society, providing attractive benefits

but also befouling waterways and

aquifers, depleting petroleum supplies

and disrupting human health.

The 3 R’s

Reducing the amount of waste you produce

is the best way to help the environment.

Instead of throwing things away, try to find

ways to use them again! Many of the

things we use every day, like paper bags,

soda cans, and milk cartons, are made out

of materials that can be recycled.