What are synthetic fibers? Advantages and disadvantages of synthetic fibers.

What are synthetic fibers?

Synthetic fibers are man-made fibers that are obtained directly from living organisms through chemical synthesis. These are the results of extensive research by scientists into the improvement of naturally occurring animal and plant fibers. The fibers are usually made by extruding fiber-making materials through spinnerets and are called synthetic fibers.

At first, the invented fully synthetic fiber was glass fiber. Then the first commercially developed viscose rayon was produced by the UK company Courtaulds in 1905. The fully synthetic first fiber Nylon was developed by Wallace Carothers an American researcher at the chemical firm DuPont in the 1930s.

Synthetic fibers are made from synthesized polymers like small molecules. The compounds that are used to make these fibers come from raw materials like petroleum-based chemicals or petrochemicals. These substances are polymerized into a chemical that bonds two adjacent carbon atoms. Different chemical compounds are used to make different types of synthetic fibers.

Although many types of synthetic polymer-based fibers are valued as potentially valuable commercial products, four of them - nylon, polyester, acrylic, and polyolefin dominate the market. These four synthetic fibers account for approximately 98 percent of the production and polyester alone accounts for about 60 percent.

Advantages of synthetic fibers

i. Synthetic fibers do not depend either on an agricultural crop or on animal farming.

ii. They are generally cheaper than natural fiber.

iii. Synthetic fibers possess unique characteristics which make them popular dress materials.

iv. They dry up quickly, are durable, readily available, and are easy to maintain.

v. Synthetic fibers are more stain-resistant than natural fibers.

vi. These fibers do not shrink easily.

vii. They are quick-drying and need very little or no ironing

viii. They last longer as compared to fabrics made from natural fibers.

ix. These fibers are strong so they can take up heavy things easily.

x. Synthetic fibers retain their original shape so it's easy to wash and wear.

xi. These can easily be stretched out.

xii. These fibers are generally soft so they are used in clothing materials.

xiii. Varieties of colors possible in synthetic fibers.

xiv. Synthetic fibers can be used in filters and artificial wool.

xv. These are more durable than most natural fibers and will easily pick up different colors.

xvi. Many synthetic fibers are more water-resistant and stain-resistant than natural fibers.

Disadvantages of synthetic fibers

i. Synthetic fibers do not absorb water or sweat in hot and humid weather. Therefore, garments made of synthetic fibers stick to the body and make the wearer uncomfortable.

ii. These fibers melt and burn easily.

iii. Synthetic fibers that catch fire shrink the bead structure stuck to the skin. So, it is not advisable to use clothes made from synthetic fibers when working near flames/fires in the kitchen.

iv. These fibers are non-biodegradable, so they can cause soil pollution.

v. These fibers are generated more electrostatic charge by rubbing, than with natural fibers.

vi. These fibers are not skin-friendly, so it is uncomfortable for long-wearing.

vii. These fibers are prone to damage by hot washing.