Name: Chemicals in Food
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 7 min 9 s
Description: Different types of chemicals are added to our food for several purposes. Be it for preservation or to enhance the taste. But how do we decide which additive...

Question

Differentiate between natural fibres and synthetic fibres. State what is Terylene. State some of its characteristic properties which make it suitable for commercial use.

Accepted Answer

Difference between natural fibres and synthetic fibres:

Natural fibre Synthetic fibre

1. Natural fibres are derived from plants and animals. 1. Synthetic fibres are man-made fibres, they are mostly prepared from raw material petroleum called petrochemicals.

2. Natural fabrics are biodegradable in nature. They can be decomposed by the action of bacteria. 2. They are non-biodegradable in nature. They cannot be decomposed by natural or biological processes.

3. Examples: cotton, silk, wool, etc. 3. Examples: nylon, rayon, acrylics, polyurethane, etc.

Terylene is a synthetic polyester fibre produced by polymerisation of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid which is obtained from petroleum. It is mixed with natural fibres to obtain blended fibres. For example, terrycot is prepared by mixing terylene and cotton. Such combinations make the fabric easy to clean and crease resistant.

Some of the characteristic properties of terylene which make it suitable for commercial use are as follows:

1. It is a strong fabric.

2. Elastic in nature, resistant to friction.

3. Easily washable and dries quickly.

4. Crease resistant.

Differentiate between natural fibres and synthetic fibres. State what is Terylene. State some of its characteristic properties which make it suitable for commercial use.

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