What Are the Main Types of Synthetic Fibres with Properties and Examples
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.
(Image will be uploaded soon)
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.
(Image will be uploaded soon)
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.
(Image will be uploaded soon)
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.
(Image will be uploaded soon)
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 in Chemistry
1. What are synthetic fibres?
Synthetic fibres are man-made polymer fibres produced from chemical substances, usually derived from petrochemicals, rather than from natural sources. In chemistry, they are formed by the polymerization of small molecules called monomers to create long-chain polymers. These fibres are engineered to have specific properties such as strength, elasticity, and durability. Common examples include nylon, polyester, acrylic, and rayon.
2. What are the main types of synthetic fibres?
The main types of synthetic fibres are nylon, polyester, acrylic, and rayon. These are classified based on their chemical composition and method of preparation:
- Nylon – a polyamide formed by condensation polymerization.
- Polyester – a polymer containing ester functional groups in its backbone.
- Acrylic – made from polyacrylonitrile.
- Rayon – a semi-synthetic fibre made from chemically treated cellulose.
Each type has distinct physical and chemical properties suited for textiles and industrial applications.
3. What is nylon and how is it formed?
Nylon is a synthetic polyamide fibre formed by condensation polymerization between a diamine and a dicarboxylic acid. For example, nylon-6,6 is produced from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid:
n H2N–(CH2)6–NH2 + n HOOC–(CH2)4–COOH → [–NH–(CH2)6–NH–CO–(CH2)4–CO–]n + 2n H2O
- It contains repeating amide linkages (–CONH–).
- It is strong, elastic, and resistant to abrasion.
4. What is polyester and what is its chemical structure?
Polyester is a synthetic polymer containing repeating ester (–COO–) linkages in its backbone. A common example is terylene (PET), formed from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid:
n HO–CH2–CH2–OH + n HOOC–C6H4–COOH → [–O–CH2–CH2–O–CO–C6H4–CO–]n + 2n H2O
- It is made by condensation polymerization.
- It is wrinkle-resistant and widely used in fabrics and plastic bottles.
5. Is rayon a synthetic fibre or a natural fibre?
Rayon is a semi-synthetic fibre because it is chemically processed from natural cellulose. It is prepared by treating cellulose from wood pulp with chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and carbon disulfide to form a soluble compound, which is then regenerated into fibres. Although derived from a natural polymer (cellulose), its chemical processing classifies it as semi-synthetic rather than purely natural.
6. What is acrylic fibre made of?
Acrylic fibre is made from the polymer polyacrylonitrile (PAN), formed by addition polymerization of acrylonitrile monomers. The polymerization reaction is:
n CH2=CH–CN → [–CH2–CH(CN)–]n
- It is a type of addition polymer.
- It is lightweight, warm, and often used as a substitute for wool.
7. What is the difference between natural fibres and synthetic fibres?
The main difference is that natural fibres are obtained from plants or animals, while synthetic fibres are chemically manufactured from polymers. Key differences include:
- Source: Natural (cotton, wool); Synthetic (nylon, polyester).
- Chemical structure: Natural fibres are based on biopolymers like cellulose or protein; synthetic fibres are man-made polymers.
- Properties: Synthetic fibres are generally more durable and wrinkle-resistant.
- Biodegradability: Natural fibres are biodegradable; most synthetic fibres are not easily biodegradable.
8. How are synthetic fibres made?
Synthetic fibres are made by polymerization of monomers followed by spinning the polymer into fibres. The process involves:
- Step 1: Polymer formation by addition or condensation polymerization.
- Step 2: Melting or dissolving the polymer.
- Step 3: Extruding the polymer through small holes (spinnerets).
- Step 4: Cooling or chemical treatment to solidify the fibres.
This chemical process gives fibres specific strength, elasticity, and resistance properties.
9. What are the advantages of synthetic fibres?
Synthetic fibres are preferred because they are strong, durable, lightweight, and resistant to wrinkles and chemicals. Their advantages include:
- High tensile strength and elasticity.
- Resistance to moths, fungi, and many chemicals.
- Quick drying and low moisture absorption.
- Easy maintenance and low cost of production.
These properties arise from their stable polymer chains and engineered chemical structure.
10. Why are synthetic fibres not biodegradable?
Synthetic fibres are not easily biodegradable because they consist of long, stable polymer chains that resist microbial and environmental breakdown. Most are derived from petrochemicals and contain strong covalent bonds such as C–C and C–N bonds, which are not readily decomposed by natural enzymes. As a result, materials like nylon and polyester persist in the environment for many years.
