CHAPTER 3

SYNTHETIC FIBRES

ANSWERS KEY

A.1. (b) Rayon 2. (b) Acrylic 3. (d) Paper bags 4. (b) Perspex 5. (a) Coal, water and air

B.1. False 2. True 3. True 4. True 5. False

C.1. man-made 2. inflammable 3. Blue 4. rayon 5. Spandex

D.1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (e) 4. (a) 5. (b)

E.1. Rayon 2. Nylon 3. Monomer 4. Terrycot 5. Thermosetting plastics

F.1. Nylon fibres are stronger than the steel wire; thus, nylon is used in the making of fishing nets
and parachutes.

2. Rayon is obtained from wood pulp; it resembles silk in appearance, shine and texture; thus, rayon
is referred as artificial silk.

3. Thermosetting plastics can maintain their shape and size even at high temperatures thus used in
the making of the handles of cooking utensils.

4. Burning of plastics should be avoided as it releases poisonous gases into the atmosphere causing
air pollution.

5. Paper or cloth bags are biodegradable and environment friendly; hence, paper or cloth bags
should be preferable instead of plastic bags which are non-biodegradable and causes environment
pollution.

G.1. The process in which small monomers link together to form a long chain

2. It is prepared from cellulose which is broken down and then reformed

3. Properties of Acrylic

i. It is light, soft and warm with a wool-like feeling.

ii. It is resistant to moths and other insects.

iii. It is also resistant to shrinkage, wrinkles and the action of chemicals.

iv. Acrylic fibres shrink from a flame, form a black bead and burn with a sooty flame.

Use of Acrylic: It is widely used for making sweaters,shawls and blankets.

4. Plastics are insoluble in water. They do not react with water and air, thus do not corrode or rust
easily.

5. Polyethene tetraphthalate. It is used for making bottles, utensils and films.

H.1. Advantages of synthetic fibres:

i. They are strong and elastic.

ii. They are resistant to moths and moulds.

iv. They are wrinkle-resistant.

v. They can be dyed in a variety of colours.

vi. They are light, durable and easy to wash and maintain.

Disadvantages of synthetic fibres:

i. They do not absorb sweat like natural fibres do.

ii. They should be ironed carefully as they may get damaged by high temperature.

iii. They catch fire more easily than cotton or wool.

iv. They do not allow air to pass freely through them and stick to the body of the person on
sweating.Hence, they are not comfortable to wear in hot and humid weather.

2. Plastics are also polymers just like synthetic fibres. They are usually synthetic and most commonly

derived from petrochemicals. Some common properties of plastics are as follows.

i. Solubility in water: Plastics are insoluble in water. Hence, buckets and bottles made from plastics

are used to store water.

ii. Reactivity: Plastics do not react with water and air, thus do not corrode or rust easily. So, they are

used for storing chemicals and other materials. Since they do not corrode easily, they are also used

to make toys.

iii. Effect of flame: Plastics catch fire easily, so they are inflammable.

iv. Thermal conductivity: Plastics are poor conductors of heat. Hence, they are used for making

handles of cooking utensils, containers used in microwave ovens and as insulating wool in

refrigerators.

v. Electrical conductivity: Plastics are poor conductors of electricity. So, they are used as a covering

for electric wires, for making cords of electrical appliances and cables.

3. Thermoplastics: The plastics that can be melted easily on heating and can be moulded again and
again into different shapes are known as thermoplastics. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene
and polyvinyl chloride are examples of thermoplastics. Pipes for transporting water, containers for
storing food and other items, hand gloves, covering for electric wires and packaging material for
delicate and expensive items are made from thermoplastics. Thermosetting plastics: The plastics
that do not soften much on heating and can be moulded only once are known as thermosetting
plastics. Even at high temperatures, these plastics can maintain their shape and size. Bakelite,
duroplast, melamine and epoxy resin are examples of thermosetting plastics. They are used to make
unbreakable dinnerware, plugs, switches and handles of tea kettles.

4. i. Burning of plastics releases poisonous gases into the atmosphere causing air pollution.

ii. Plastics prevent the replenishment of groundwater and percolation of water into the soil.
iii. Recycled plastic bags cause poisonous dyes to get absorbed into the food items stored in them,

which are harmful for health.

iv. Plastic bags consumed by animals along with the leftover food causes illness and sometimes leads
to death.

v. Careless disposal of plastic bags blocks the drains resulting in the overflow of wastewater. This

provides a good breeding place for mosquitoes and other disease-causing germs.

5. As most plastics are non-biodegradable in nature, the problem of disposing plastic is increasing

enormously and immediate action needs to be taken. Some ways to minimize plastic pollution are
the following:

i. Reduce dependence on plastic bags and on other items made of plastic.

ii. Encourage reuse and recycling of plastics.

iii. Buy products with less plastic packaging.

iv. Plastic wrappings and bags should carry a warning label stating the dangers of plastic pollution,
and shoppers should be encouraged to use paper or cloth bags.

v. Plastics should not be disposed of in the sewage system, on the streets or on the pavements. It
clogs the drains and causes wastewater to overflow.

vi. Any plastic litter that you see in the vicinity should be picked up and disposed of in a proper place.

vii. Keep separate garbage bins at home and school, for example, green bins for biodegradable
wastes and blue bins for non-biodegradable wastes.

viii. Preferably use biodegradable plastics instead of non-biodegradable plastics.

ix. The 4R principle of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover to minimize environmental pollution
should be followed and practised.