Question

Which type of synthetic fiber is used to make a sweater and blankets and why?

Answer 1

Hint: Fibers are generally thread-like structures. Cotton is a natural fiber. There are some synthetic fibers, i.e. man-made fiber, that are prepared from raw material petroleum known as petrochemicals. Some synthetic fibers like nylon 6,6, acrylics, polyurethane, and polypropylene.

Complete step by step answer:
All fabrics are generally obtained from fibers, while fibers are obtained from man-made sources. They consist of a small unit or a polymeric chain which is made from many repeating units called monomers.
Usually, cotton is picked by hands. The fibers of cotton get separated by combing. This process of combing cotton is known as the ginning of cotton.
There are many advantages to synthetic fibers. They are very durable and do not wrinkle easily if used for clothes. They are elastic and can be easily stretched. They are strong i.e. can sustain the heavy load and also soft, used in clothing materials.
Acrylic fiber is used to make a sweater and blankets. This acrylic fiber is made of acrylonitrile monomer. The polymer is known as polyacrylonitrile.

This polymer is similar to wool, which is why it is known as synthetic wool. This wool is much cheaper than natural wools and can be dyed in many colors. That is why it is used in place of wools.

Additional information:
There are a few disadvantages also. They are cheaper than natural fibers. They do not absorb water and get affected if washed by hot water. They catch fire more easily as compared to any other natural or artificial fibers.
The material of synthetic fiber is thermoplastic in nature. Thermoplastic materials are those polymers that can be easily melted and molded indefinitely on heating and harden upon cooling. When frozen, they become glass-like and can be broken. Due to its property, clothes made from synthetic fibers become hazardous and dangerous if brought near the fire.
 They melt and stick to the body of the person wearing it. When polymer melts, the bonds between chains break first but the monomeric bonds remain intact. Synthetic fibers do not easily take up colors like natural fibers.

Note: The properties of these polymers vary depending on the nature of the monomer, the type of branching, etc. Each polymer has a specific set of use cases in accordance with its properties. Polyester too is similarly a polymeric fabric that is used widely. It is obtained from the following monomers: terephthalic acid and ethane-1,2-diol.