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 maintain.

Plastics

PlasticsA 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 PlasticsA 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’sReducing 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.

By- Gursimran Singh, 8E