Question

Which of the following is not synthetic fibres?
(A) Polyester
(B) Nylon
(C) Acrylic
(D) Hemp

Answer 1

Hint: Among the given options three are synthetic fibres and one is a natural fibre. The synthetic fibres are those fibres which are man-made and synthesized through several polymerization techniques whereas the natural fibres are made out of natural materials which are already existing in nature. The answer belongs to a natural fibre which is having a plant origin. It is produced from the plants of cannabis species.

Complete step by step solution:
- As we know fibres are the substances that are used to manufacture materials and fabrics such as cables, wires, textiles etc.
- Generally, the fibres can be characterized by synthetic and natural fibres. This classification is based on the origin of fibres.
- As the name suggests synthetic fibres are made of synthetic materials, usually formed through chemical processes. Since they are man-made fibres they are usually made from the polymerization of organic chemicals in high heat which is followed by cooling to room temperature resulting in the formation of textile fibre.
- Synthetic fibres are a subcategory of man-made fibres. Man-made fibres include semi-synthetic fibres and cellulose regenerated fibres. These fibres are derived from natural materials such as protein or cellulose. But synthetic fibres are entirely synthesized from synthetic materials including petrochemicals.
- The beginning of the creation of synthetic fibres by the textile industry started as a cheaper and more easily mass-produced alternative to natural fibres.
- Another category is natural fibres. They are fibres that are made out of natural materials that come from plants, animals, or minerals. The natural fibres can be categorized as animal-based or plant-based. The animal-based natural fibres include silk and wool, while plant-based natural fibres include hemp, cotton, linen, and jute.
- Among the given options hemp is the only natural fibre. All the other three are examples of synthetic fibres.
- Hemp has a long history as fibre and it is one of the fastest-growing plants. It is a variety of the cannabis Sativa plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products. The hemp can be refined into a variety of commercial items, including the textile industry, biofuel biodegradable plastics, etc.

Therefore, the answer is option (D) Hemp.

Note: There may be uncertainty among the given options. Polyester is a synthetic polymer that is with ester as a monomer whereas acrylic is a synthetic fibre which resembles wool. Nylon threads are strong, lightweight and elastic synthetic fibres.