5.3.2 - Manufactured Fibres (also called man-made fibres)
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Introduction to Manufactured Fibres
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Today we are going to explore manufactured fibres. Does anyone know where synthetic fibres came from?
I think they were made to mimic natural fibres like silk?
Exactly! The first manufactured fibre, rayon, was introduced in 1895. Let's remember this date as 'The Birth of Rayon' to help us recall its significance.
Why did they start making these fibres, though?
Great question! It was largely to fulfill the human desire for fabrics that had the qualities of silk but were cheaper to produce. Now, how did they actually make them?
How Manufactured Fibres are Made
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Manufactured fibres are created by converting raw materials into a viscous spinning solution. Can anyone explain what happens next?
Is it then sent through spinnerets?
Correct! This process helps to form filaments. Remember 'Spinneret Sprout' as a mnemonic to keep this in mind!
What kinds of fibres can come from this process?
Good question! We have regenerated cellulosic fibres like rayon, and synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester. Let’s take a closer look at these.
Types of Manufactured Fibres
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Now let's categorize the manufactured fibres. Can someone name a regenerated cellulosic fibre?
Rayon?
Exactly! What about a synthetic fibre?
Nylon!
Excellent! Remember this rhyme: 'Rayon for cotton-like grace, Nylon for strength in the race', to help you recall these types.
Are there any other synthetic fibres?
Yes, there are many, including polyester and acrylic. Let's discuss their properties in the next session.
Properties of Manufactured Fibres
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If we consider nylon, what are some of its well-known properties?
It's very strong and elastic!
Right again! And what about polyester? Any ideas?
It's resistant to wrinkles!
Perfect! To remember these features, think of the acronym 'SEW': Strength, Elasticity, Wrinkle-free.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
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Manufactured fibres, also known as man-made fibres, are created through chemical processes to mimic natural fibres and are vital in modern textiles. The section explains the history, rationale, production methods, and various types of manufactured fibres in detail.
Detailed
Manufactured fibres, often referred to as man-made fibres, emerged out of the desire to replicate the luxurious qualities of silk. The first commercially produced synthetic fibre was rayon, introduced in 1895, leading to further advancements in synthetic fibre technology through the 20th century. The manufacturing process typically involves converting solid non-fibrous materials into a viscous spinning solution, which is then extruded through spinnerets to form fine filaments. These filaments can be categorized into various types including regenerated cellulosic fibres like rayon, modified cellulosic fibres like acetate, and completely synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester. These innovations have reshaped the textile landscape, providing consumers with a vast array of options that boast durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness.
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Introduction to Manufactured Fibres
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
Most of you must have seen a cotton flower with fibres sticking to the seeds, or sheep with long overgrown hair. You can also imagine how these may be used for yarn and fabric production. However, you may find it difficult to understand how the manufactured or synthetic fibres came to exist.
Detailed Explanation
Manufactured fibres, also known as man-made fibres, are not found naturally like cotton or wool. Instead, they are created through industrial processes. The introduction of manufactured fibres actually stems from the desire to replicate natural fibres, particularly those like silk. Early experiments sought to mimic how silk is produced by silkworms, which spin silk from a liquid that hardens into a filament.
Examples & Analogies
Think of it like cooking: just as chefs combine ingredients to create a dish similar to our favorites, scientists combine chemicals to create fibers that mimic the nature of silk, resulting in fabrics that are soft and luxurious.
History of Manufactured Fibres
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Chapter Content
The first manufactured fibre–Rayon–was commercially produced in AD 1895, while most others are products of the 20th century.
Detailed Explanation
Rayon was the first successful synthetic fibre, marking the starting point for the production of manufactured fibres. The process of making these fibres grew throughout the 20th century, leading to a variety of new materials that became popular for textiles. Understanding this historical context helps students recognize the evolution of fabric production and its ties to human innovation.
Examples & Analogies
Consider the evolution of technology: just like smartphones have evolved from early mobile phones, textiles have evolved with new fibers, starting with Rayon as a groundbreaking development in fabric technology.
Creation Process of Manufactured Fibres
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Chapter Content
The earliest manufactured fibres were made by modifying a non-fibrous material into a fibrous form. These were mainly from cellulosic substances like cotton waste or wood pulp. The second group of fibres were synthesised completely from use of chemicals. Whatever may be the raw material the basic steps for converting it into a fibrous form are the same. • The solid raw materials are converted into a liquid form of a specific viscosity. This may be due to a chemical action, dissolution, heat application or a combination action. This is called the spinning solution. • This solution is passed through a spinnerette – a small thimble shaped nozzle with a series of very small holes, into an atmosphere which hardens it or coagulates it into fine filaments. • As the filaments harden they are collected and stretched for further fineness and orientation or subjected to further processing like texurisation to improve its stretch and/or bulk characteristics.
Detailed Explanation
The production of manufactured fibres starts with raw materials. First, these materials are turned into a liquid form, which allows them to be processed. This liquid is then pushed through a device known as a spinnerette, which shapes it into fine threads. Once the threads are formed and solidified, they may be stretched or further treated to enhance their texture and elasticity. This entire process is crucial for creating a versatile range of fibres.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a chef making pasta: they mix flour and water to create a dough, which is then pushed through a pasta maker to form noodles. In the same way, raw materials are processed to create threads for fabrics.
Types of Manufactured Fibres
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Chapter Content
(a) Regenerated cellulosic fibres: Rayon–cuprammonium, viscose, high-wet-modulus (b) Modified cellulosic: Acetate–secondary acetate, triacetate (c) Protein fibres: Azlon (d) Non-cellulosic(synthetic) fibres (i) nylon (ii) polyester – terelene, terrene (iii) acrylic – Orlon, cashmilon (iv) modacrylic (v) spandex (vi) rubber (e) Mineral fibres (i) Glass – fibreglass (ii) Metallic – lurex.
Detailed Explanation
Manufactured fibres can be categorized into different types based on their compositions. Regenerated fibres like rayon come from natural materials but are chemically processed. Modified cellulosic fibres like acetate undergo additional treatments to enhance their properties. Synthetic fibres such as nylon and polyester are entirely made from chemicals and have specific uses due to their durability and resistance. Each of these categories has unique characteristics that influence how they can be used in fabric.
Examples & Analogies
Think of different types of chemicals in a science lab: just like scientists combine various chemicals to create different products, textile engineers create distinct types of fibres for specific applications.
Key Concepts
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Manufactured Fibres: Man-made materials created to replicate the qualities of natural fibres.
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Rayon: The first manufactured fibre, derived from natural cellulose sources.
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Spinneret: A device crucial in creating filaments for synthetic fibres.
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Nylon: A synthetic fibre known for its strength and elasticity.
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Polyester: A widely used fibre that is wrinkle-resistant and durable.
Examples & Applications
Rayon is commonly used in dresses due to its silk-like qualities.
Nylon is often used in activewear because of its strength and elasticity.
Polyester is prevalent in many household textiles and outdoor clothing due to its durability.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Rayon shines, like silk, but less costly; Nylon’s strong, winning awards most frosty.
Stories
Once there was a princess who desired silk, but soon discovered rayon, soft and smooth and like milk. Thus manufactured fibres began, shining brightly in the land.
Memory Tools
To remember the types of fibres: R (Rayon), N (Nylon), P (Polyester) - 'RNP is fab!'
Acronyms
Remember 'SERS' for qualities of fibres
Strength
Elasticity
Resilience
Sustainability.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Manufactured Fibres
Fibres created through synthetic processes to mimic natural fibres.
- Rayon
The first commercially produced manufactured fibre, derived from cellulose.
- Spinneret
A device used to extrude the viscous spinning solution into filaments.
- Nylon
A strong synthetic fibre known for its elasticity and durability.
- Polyester
A synthetic fibre noted for its resistance to wrinkles and quick drying.
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