Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Fibres (With Table & Examples)
Understanding Natural Fibres and Synthetic Fibres is essential in chemistry and helps students understand various practical and theoretical applications related to this topic. Fibres form the foundation of many textiles and materials we use in everyday life and are a key part of school chemistry curriculum and real-world industry.
What is Natural Fibres and Synthetic Fibres in Chemistry?
A fibre refers to a long, thin, flexible strand used in making fabrics, ropes, and different materials. In chemistry, fibres are mainly classified as natural fibres (from plants or animals) and synthetic fibres (made by humans using chemical processes). This concept appears in chapters related to polymers, organic chemistry, and plastics, making it a foundational part of your chemistry syllabus.
Types of Fibres in Chemistry
There are two primary types of fibres:
- Natural fibres: Obtained from natural sources such as plants and animals. Examples include cotton, silk, wool, linen, and jute.
- Synthetic fibres: Also called man-made or artificial fibres, these are made using chemicals and are usually stronger and more durable than natural fibres. Common examples are nylon, polyester, acrylic, and rayon.
Examples and Sources of Natural Fibres
Natural fibres are biodegradable fibres derived directly from nature. They are known for being comfortable, breathable, and eco-friendly. Main sources are:
- Plant fibres: Cotton (from cotton plants), Linen (from flax plant), Jute (from jute plant)
- Animal fibres: Wool (from sheep and goats), Silk (from silkworms)
Some more examples of natural fibres include hemp, coir, and ramie. These fibres are used in making clothes, bags, ropes, and even in industrial materials.
Examples and Types of Synthetic Fibres
Synthetic fibres are not found in nature but are created from chemical substances, mostly petroleum-based. The properties of synthetic fibres can be modified during their manufacture to meet specific needs. Main types and examples include:
- Nylon – Used in ropes, fishing nets, and clothing
- Polyester – Widely used for fabrics and plastic bottles
- Acrylic – Imitates wool, used in sweaters and blankets
- Rayon – Semi-synthetic, imitates silk, used in dresses and furnishings
- Spandex (Lycra) – Extremely elastic, used in sportswear
These man-made fibres are popular due to their strength, durability, easy maintenance, and low cost.
Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Fibres
Natural fibres are derived from plants or animals and are biodegradable. Synthetic fibres are made by humans through chemical processes, usually non-biodegradable, and often more durable. The main types differ in their origin, properties, uses, and environmental impact.
| Feature | Natural Fibres | Synthetic Fibres |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Plants/Animals (eg: cotton, silk) | Chemically synthesized (eg: nylon, polyester) |
| Biodegradability | Yes | Mostly No |
| Comfort | High, breathable, soft | Less breathable; may cause irritation |
| Strength | Usually less than synthetic | Strong and long-lasting |
| Water Absorption | High | Low |
| Cost | Generally higher | Cheaper |
| Examples | Cotton, Silk, Wool, Linen, Jute | Nylon, Polyester, Acrylic, Rayon, Spandex |
| Environmental Impact | Eco-friendly, biodegradable | Can cause pollution, not eco-friendly |
Properties and Uses of Fibres
Natural fibres like cotton and silk are soft, absorbent, and suitable for skin-friendly clothes. Wool keeps you warm as it traps air. Jute is strong for making sacks and ropes.
Synthetic fibres are stronger, more elastic, dry quickly, and are used for ropes, fishing nets, raincoats, and sportswear.
- Cotton: Summer clothes, bandages, towels
- Nylon: Parachutes, toothbrush bristles, seatbelts
- Polyester: Dresses, curtains, bottles
- Rayon: Mixes with cotton/wool for soft fabrics
- Acrylic: Blankets, wool-like sweaters
Environmental Impact
Natural fibres are biodegradable, making them more eco-friendly. They do not pollute the environment when disposed of.
Synthetic fibres are mostly non-biodegradable and persist in the environment for a long time. Their manufacturing and disposal can cause pollution. Recycling synthetic fibres helps reduce damage but is not always possible or easy.
Students interested in this topic should also read about biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials for deeper understanding.
Sample Project Ideas
- Make a chart comparing natural fibres and synthetic fibres with examples and uses.
- Create a model or collage showing sources of fibres (plants, animals, factories).
- Collect small fabric samples and identify them using burning or water absorption tests (with adult supervision).
- Prepare a poster on environmental effects of synthetic fibres.
Try This Yourself
- List 3 natural fibres and 3 synthetic fibres from your own clothes at home.
- Explain why cotton is best for summer and why polyester dries quickly.
Relation with Other Chemistry Concepts
Fibre chemistry links directly to polymers, plastics, environmental chemistry, and their role in modern industry. For deeper insights, read more about polymers and chemistry in everyday life.
Understanding the types of chemical reactions in fibre manufacturing also strengthens your syllabus knowledge.
Lab or Experimental Tips
Remember, natural fibres burn with a smell similar to burning paper or hair, while synthetic fibres often melt and give chemical smells. Vedantu educators advise handling burning tests carefully, only in proper labs. Identify fibres by water absorption and texture as a safer classroom alternative.
Final Wrap-Up
We explored natural fibres and synthetic fibres—their types, sources, properties, differences, and environmental effects. This topic is important in chemistry and everyday life. To learn more, join live doubt sessions and science projects on Vedantu. Using this knowledge helps you make smarter, eco-friendly choices in real life while also boosting your chemistry scores!
FAQs on Natural Fibres and Synthetic Fibres Explained for Students
1. What is the main difference between natural fibres and synthetic fibres?
Natural fibres are obtained from plants or animals and are biodegradable, while synthetic fibres are man-made using chemical processes and are generally non-biodegradable. The difference lies in their origin, properties, and environmental impact:
- Natural fibres: Cotton, jute, silk, wool; eco-friendly
- Synthetic fibres: Nylon, polyester, acrylic, rayon; durable but not biodegradable
2. Give five examples each of natural fibres and synthetic fibres.
Here are five examples of each type of fibre:
- Natural fibres: Cotton, jute, silk, wool, linen
- Synthetic fibres: Nylon, polyester, acrylic, rayon, spandex
3. What are the properties of synthetic fibres?
Synthetic fibres have the following main properties:
- High strength and elasticity
- Lightweight and wrinkle-resistant
- Absorb less water, dry quickly
- Resistant to moths and fungi
- Often non-biodegradable
4. Why are synthetic fibres widely used in clothing?
Synthetic fibres are popular in clothing because:
- They are durable and resist wear and tear
- Dry quickly and retain shape
- Easy to wash and maintain
- Available in various textures and colors
- Cost-effective
5. Are synthetic fibres biodegradable?
Most synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester are not biodegradable. They persist in the environment and may contribute to pollution if not disposed of properly.
6. What are the sources of natural fibres?
Natural fibres come from two main sources:
- Plants: Cotton (cotton plant), jute (jute plant), flax (flax plant)
- Animals: Wool (sheep), silk (silkworm)
7. How can you visually differentiate between natural and synthetic fibres?
You can distinguish fibres by:
- Natural fibres: Usually have irregular, rough textures under a microscope; burn smell resembles paper or hair
- Synthetic fibres: Appear smooth and uniform; melt on heating and give chemical/plastic smell
8. What environmental problems are associated with synthetic fibres?
Synthetic fibres may cause:
- Non-biodegradable waste accumulation
- Release of microplastics into water bodies
- Pollutants during manufacturing
9. Can a fibre be partly natural and partly synthetic?
Yes, blended fibres combine both natural and synthetic components. Examples include poly-cotton (polyester + cotton) and wool blends. Such fibres aim to combine the advantages of both types.
10. How do fibre properties like water absorption influence their uses?
Fibre properties affect their applications:
- Natural fibres: Good water absorption, comfortable for clothing
- Synthetic fibres: Low absorption, suitable for rainwear and sportswear
11. How is recycling different for natural and synthetic fibres?
Natural fibres can decompose and are easier to recycle or compost, whereas synthetic fibres usually require special recycling processes and may be downcycled due to mixed materials.
12. What chemical processes are involved in making synthetic fibres?
Synthetic fibres are produced by polymerization reactions of chemical monomers such as addition, condensation, and extrusion. Examples include producing nylon from diamine and dicarboxylic acid, or polyester from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol.
