Question

Which of the given fibre is biodegradable?
(A) Cotton and jute
(B) Nylon and Teri cotton
(C) Terylene and nylon
(D) Polyester

Answer 1

Hint: (1) Fibres are filaments or threads from which mineral substances, vegetable tissues or textiles can be formed. In textile, a fibre can be defined to be a product that is capable of being woven or made into a fabric.
(2) Biodegradable fibres are those fibres which can be decomposed by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi.

Complete step by step answer: Natural fibres are those fibres which are made of plant and animal based fibres. They are biodegradable as they can be eventually broken down by microorganisms. For example, cotton, wool, silk. Since cotton and jute are both made of plant fibre cellulose, they are both biodegradable and hence option A is the correct answer.
On the other hand, synthetic fibres or man-made fibres are not found naturally on the earth. They are produced entirely from chemicals to create fabrics. As a result, they are much stronger than natural fibres and do not degrade in the soil. Thus, they are non-biodegradable. For example, nylon, polyester etc.
Nylon is a synthetic fibre. It is a polyamide and has high tensile strength, is tough and elastic and abrasion resistant. Nylon fibres do not rot like cotton fibres. Thus, they are stronger than the natural fibres and hence are not biodegradable. Terricotton fibres are man-made fibres produced by weaving in looping patterns. So, it is also not biodegradable. So, option B is incorrect.
Terylene is a man-made or synthetic fibre produced by the condensation polymerization of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Terylene fibres are highly durable and crease-resistant. Thus, it is also resistant to degradation. So, option C is also incorrect.
A polyester fibre is created by reacting an acid and an alcohol and due to its synthetic nature, it is long-lasting and resistant to degradation. Hence, option D is also incorrect.

Note: Since synthetic fibres have more durability and involve cheaper manufacturing than natural fibres, their demands have increased. But in some cases, natural fibres are better than synthetic ones. For example, cotton fibres are soft and breathable fabric but polyester fibres contain man-made toxins and are uncomfortable for the skin and so cotton will be more preferable. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.