Question

What are the examples of natural and artificial fibres?

Answer 1

Hint: The two types of fibers can be distinguished on the basis of a very fundamental property which is their source. Fibers can be obtained from a variety of sources like animals, worms, plants or can be prepared through chemical reactions. Identify the sources of various fibers and classify them accordingly.

Complete answer:
A fiber is the most basic unit of any textile product. These are the elementary building blocks of fabrics that combine together to give a variety of clothes.
Fibers can be classified according to different properties. One such important classification can be made on the basis of the origin or the source from which the fiber is obtained.
Fibers can be classified as artificial or natural depending upon their source. Fibers from different sources tend to show different properties like strength, water retention, wetting capacity and texture. A fiber extracted or obtained from natural sources like plants and animals is known as natural fiber and the one synthesized manually or chemically in industries from various chemical polymers is known as an artificial fiber. Artificial fibers are designed with specific features so as to make them more durable, strong and attractive in appearance.
Some common examples of plant-based natural fibers are: Cotton, Jute and linen. And examples of animal-based fibers are wool and silk.
Examples of artificial fibers include: Caprolactam, Nylon, Rayon etc.

Note:
Most artificial or synthetic fibers are prepared from the polymerization reaction. This chemical reaction involves the repeated combining or a small chemical unit called the monomer. Some artificial fibers are also synthesized through condensation or addition reactions.