Examples of synthetic fabrics

Rayon:

• Source: Wood pulp
• Rayon is also known as artificial silk or viscose rayon.
• It is neither a truly synthetic fibre nor a natural fibre; it is a semi-synthetic fibre.
• It is produced by chemical processing of cellulose which is a naturally occurring polymer.
• It can be dyed in a wide variety of colours.
• Rayon is mixed with cotton to make bed sheets or carpets.

Properties:

• It absorbs sweat. Rayon clothes are therefore, preferred over other synthetic fibres in summer.
• It is shiny and lustrous and resembles silk in appearance.

Uses:

• Rayon is used for making shirts, ties, home furnishing (bed sheets, curtains, table cloths, sofa covers etc.)
• Rayon is mixed with cotton to make bed sheets and wool to make carpets.

Nylon:

• Nylon was the first true synthetic fibre.
• Nylon-bristled toothbrush was made in 1938 that was followed by women's stockings in 1940.
• It is a commercially successful polymer.
• Nylon fiber is small, shiny and round. It has excellent abrasion resistance. It melts on burning.

Properties:

• It is elastic and does not loose strength even after repeated use.
• It is lustrous and easy to wash.

Uses of Nylon Fiber:

• Nylon is the strongest material because of this reason it is extensively used in making rope.
• Nylon fiber is also used for making packing material
• Nylon is used for packing food stuffs. Sausages and meat are packed in sheaths made up of nylon.
• Nylon is used for making bath sponges. These are also called bath puffs or boofpoofs.
• All waterproof clothes like rain coats, hats, leggings are made up of nylon.
• Articles like socks, ropes, tents, toothbrushes, car seat belts, sleeping bags, curtains are also made from Nylon.
• Nylon is also used for making parachutes and ropes for rock climbing.
• Nylon is widely used in making tyres and military supplies.

Polyester:

• Polyester is a polymer in which ester a chemical compound is a monomer unit. Ester linkage is present between monomer units.
• There are different types of polyesters. The most commonly used polyester is Terylene.
• Terylene is blended with natural fibres to improve its properties.
• Terylene is resistant to chemicals.
• Terrycot, a blend of Terylene and cotton, has better absorbing power as compared to Terylene.

• Lab coat made up of Terycot. It has good absorbing capacity as well as it is resistant to chemicals.
• Terrywool, a blend of Terylene and wool is warm in addition to all the characteristics observed in polyesters.

Properties:

• Polyester fabrics are strong, light weight, and have good elasticity.
• This fabric resists wrinkling and spring back into shape when creased.
• This fabric can be washed and dried easily and quickly.

Uses:

• Polyester is used for making lightweight sails.
• Polyester films (commonly known as Mylar) are used for making magnetic recording tapes in audio cassettes, video cassettes, and floppy disks.
• Terylene is used for making conveyer belts as it is very elastic.
• Terrycot is commonly used for making shirts, skirts, frocks and other dress materials.
• Terrywool is used for making formal suits.

Acrylic:

• Acrylic fibres are also known as Orlon or Acrilan.
• It closely resembles wool.
• The wool obtained from natural sources is quite expensive, whereas clothes made from acrylic are relatively cheap.
• They are available in a variety of colours.

 Properties:

• It is warm, soft, light and flexible.
• It is resistant to moths and chemicals.

Uses:

• Acrylic is used for making sweaters, socks, shawls, carpets and blankets.