Synthetic Fibers (nylon and rayon) and polystyrene
Synthetic fibers are made from raw materials such as petroleum, based on chemicals or petrochemicals. These materials are polymerized into a long, linear chemical with different chemical compounds and are used to produce various types of fibers. Synthetic fibers account for about half of all fiber usage, with applications in every field of fiber and textile technology. Many classes of fiber based on synthetic polymers have been evaluated as potentially valuable commercial products, three of them are nylon, polyester, and acrylic, which dominate the market.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is a versatile plastic used to make a wide variety of consumer products. As a hard, solid plastic, it is often used in products that require clarity, such as food packaging and laboratory ware. When combined with various colorants, additives or other plastics, polystyrene is used to make appliances, electronics, automobile parts, toys, gardening pots and equipment and more.
Polystyrene also is made into a foam material, called expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS), which is valued for its insulating and cushioning properties. Foam polystyrene can be more than 95 percent air and is widely used to make home and appliance insulation, lightweight protective packaging, surfboards, foodservice and food packaging, automobile parts, roadway and roadbank stabilization systems and more. Polystyrene is made by stringing together, or polymerizing, styrene, a building-block chemical used in the manufacture of many products. Styrene also occurs naturally in foods such as strawberries, cinnamon, coffee and beef.
Polystyrene in Appliances
Refrigerators, air conditioners, ovens, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, blenders – these and other appliances often are made with polystyrene (solid and foam) because it is inert (doesn’t react with other materials), cost-effective and long-lasting.
Polystyrene in Automotive
Polystyrene (solid and foam) is used to make many car parts, including knobs, instrument panels, trim, energy absorbing door panels and Sound dampening foam. Foam polystyrene also is widely used in child protective seats.
Polystyrene in Electronics
Polystyrene is used for the housing and other parts for televisions, computers and all types of IT equipment, where the combination of form, function and aesthetics are essential.
Polystyrene in Foodservice
Polystyrene foodservice packaging typically insulates better, keeps food fresher longer and costs less than alternatives.
Polystyrene in Medical
Due to its clarity and ease of sterilization, polystyrene is used for a wide range of medical applications, including Tissue Culture trays, test tubes, petri dishes, diagnostic components, housings for test kits and medical devices.
Nylon
Nylon is not a natural fiber; it is a synthetic fiber that is made from chemical by-products of petroleum, coal, and agricultural products. Nylon is often referred to as a polymer and the material used to produce nylon is known as polyamides. It was first produced by Wallace Carothers at the DuPont Experimental Station. Nylon became popular during the Second World War due to the shortage of natural fabrics such as silk. It was used to manufacture parachutes, tires, tents, ponchos, ropes, and other military supplies. Nylon fabrics have a low absorbency rate, making them ideal for the manufacture of stockings, swimwear, and athletic wear. Nylon is a very popular fabric today due to its low cost, durability, and low maintenance. It is also resistant to heat and tears. This fabric also resists stains and maintain its shape after being washed.
Uses of Nylon
One of the most common uses for nylon is in Women‘s stockings or hosiery. It is also used as a material in dress socks, swimwear, shorts, track pants, active wear, windbreakers, draperies and bedspreads. Less frequently encountered uses include flak vests, parachutes, combat uniforms and life vests; the fiber is also often used in manufacturing umbrellas, luggage and the netting for bridal veils.
Rayon
Rayon is a regenerated cellulose fiber. It is considered as a semi-synthetic (neither natural nor synthetic) fiber that is made from wood pulp, a natural raw material based on semi-cellulose. Although rayon is a manufactured fiber, it Shares many similarities with natural fabrics such as Cotton and linen. Rayon is soft, breathable, comfortable and moisture absorbent. This moisture absorbance and softness of the fabric make it ideal for summer wear. This fabric also drapes well. However, rayon fiber is also prone to wrinkles, creases and tears just like natural fibers. This fabric is also blended with other materials to achieve different properties. Rising prices in cotton have increased the demand for rayon since rayon is being used as a substitute for cotton. It is also important to note that various characteristics and properties of rayon depend on its many factors such as processing and additives. There are four major types of rayon fabrics known as regular rayon, high wet modulus rayon, high tenacity modulus rayon and Cuprammonium rayon.
Uses of rayon fibre
- Rayon typically has an elevated luster quality giving it a brilliant gloss.
- Mainly, Rayon fibres are used in apparel Industry such as Aloha shirts, blouses, dresses, Jackets, Lingerie, scarves, suits, ties, hats and socks
- Some rayon fibres are for filling in Zippo lighters, furnishings including bedspreads, bedsheets, blankets, window covers, upholstery and slipcovers.
- For industrial purposes such as medical surgery products, non-woven items, tire cord and some other uses like diapers, towels, feminine hygiene products
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Polymers are large Molecules made up of repeating units called monomers. They are found in all living things, and they are also used to make a wide variety of products, including plastics, textiles, and electronics.
There are two main types of polymers: natural and synthetic. Natural polymers are found in nature, such as cellulose in wood and proteins in skin. Synthetic polymers are made by humans, such as nylon and polyester.
Synthetic polymers are made by a process called polymerization. This process involves combining monomers together to form long chains. There are two main types of polymerization: addition polymerization and condensation polymerization.
In addition polymerization, monomers are joined together without the loss of any small molecules. For example, polyethylene is made by adding ethylene monomers together.
In condensation polymerization, monomers are joined together with the loss of small molecules, such as water. For example, nylon is made by joining together hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid with the loss of water molecules.
Polymers can be classified into three main groups: thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers.
Thermoplastics are polymers that can be melted and reshaped repeatedly. They are made up of long, linear chains that can slide past each other. Examples of thermoplastics include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.
Thermosets are polymers that cannot be melted and reshaped once they have been formed. They are made up of cross-linked chains that are held together by strong Bonds. Examples of thermosets include bakelite and epoxy resin.
Elastomers are polymers that are able to stretch and return to their original shape. They are made up of long, flexible chains that can coil and uncoil. Examples of elastomers include rubber and latex.
Polymers are used in a wide variety of applications, including textiles, packaging, construction, electronics, automotive, medical, aerospace, and other.
Textiles are made from natural and synthetic fibers. Natural fibers include cotton, wool, and silk. Synthetic fibers include nylon, polyester, and rayon.
Packaging is made from a variety of polymers, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene.
Construction materials include polymers such as concrete, asphalt, and fiberglass.
Electronics are made from a variety of polymers, including plastics, rubber, and silicone.
Automotive parts are made from a variety of polymers, including plastics, rubber, and fiberglass.
Medical devices are made from a variety of polymers, including plastics, rubber, and silicone.
Aerospace components are made from a variety of polymers, including plastics, rubber, and fiberglass.
Other applications for polymers include toys, furniture, and appliances.
Polymers are an essential part of our modern world. They are used in a wide variety of applications, and they are constantly being developed to meet new needs.
What are polymers?
Polymers are large molecules made up of repeating units called monomers. They are found in nature, such as in wood and cotton, and they can also be made synthetically, such as in plastic and nylon.
What are synthetic fibers?
Synthetic fibers are fibers that are made from polymers that are not found in nature. They are often used in clothing and other textiles because they are strong, durable, and easy to care for.
What are some examples of synthetic fibers?
Some examples of synthetic fibers include nylon, rayon, and polyester.
What are the properties of synthetic fibers?
Synthetic fibers are often strong, durable, and easy to care for. They can also be made to be water-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, and flame-retardant.
What are some of the advantages of using synthetic fibers?
Some of the advantages of using synthetic fibers include their strength, durability, and ease of care. They are also often less expensive than natural fibers.
What are some of the disadvantages of using synthetic fibers?
Some of the disadvantages of using synthetic fibers include their potential to be harmful to the Environment and their lack of breathability.
What is polystyrene?
Polystyrene is a type of plastic that is made from the monomer styrene. It is a white, lightweight material that is often used in packaging and insulation.
What are the properties of polystyrene?
Polystyrene is a good insulator, and it is also resistant to water and chemicals. It is a relatively inexpensive material, and it is easy to work with.
What are some of the advantages of using polystyrene?
Some of the advantages of using polystyrene include its low cost, its ease of use, and its good insulating properties.
What are some of the disadvantages of using polystyrene?
Some of the disadvantages of using polystyrene include its potential to be harmful to the environment, and its lack of strength.
What are some of the uses of polystyrene?
Polystyrene is used in a variety of products, including packaging, insulation, and disposable cups and plates.
Which of the following is a synthetic fiber?
(A) Cotton
(B) Wool
(C) Nylon
(D) RayonWhich of the following is a type of polystyrene?
(A) Styrofoam
(B) Polyethylene
(C) Polypropylene
(D) All of the abovePolymers are long chains of molecules made up of repeating units.
(A) True
(B) FalseSynthetic fibers are made from natural materials.
(A) True
(B) FalsePolystyrene is a type of plastic.
(A) True
(B) FalseStyrofoam is a type of polystyrene that is used for insulation.
(A) True
(B) FalsePolyethylene is a type of plastic that is used to make bags and bottles.
(A) True
(B) FalsePolypropylene is a type of plastic that is used to make fibers and fabrics.
(A) True
(B) FalsePolymers are used in a variety of products, including clothing, food packaging, and building materials.
(A) True
(B) FalseThe properties of polymers can be tailored to meet the needs of specific applications.
(A) True
(B) False