Which of the following types of fibre is classified as a synthetic fibre?
🔬 Understanding Fiber Classification
Fibers used in construction and textiles are broadly classified based on their origin. The main distinction is between fibers that occur naturally and those that are man-made through chemical processes.
Natural Fibers: These are obtained directly from plant, animal, or mineral sources. They require processing like cleaning and spinning but are not created through chemical synthesis.
Synthetic Fibers: These are entirely man-made fibers produced from chemical substances, primarily petrochemicals. They are created through a process called polymerization, where simple molecules (monomers) are linked together to form long chains (polymers).
⚖️ Detailed Analysis of the Options
Let's classify each fiber based on its origin.
(a) Polyester fibre
Origin: Man-made from petrochemicals.
Classification: Synthetic. Polyester is a polymer created through a chemical reaction between an acid and an alcohol. It is one of the most common synthetic fibers in the world, used in everything from clothing to ropes and reinforcing materials.
Conclusion: This is a synthetic fiber.
(b) Basalt fibre
Origin: Natural, from volcanic rock.
Classification: Natural (Mineral). Basalt fibers are produced by melting crushed basalt rock and extruding the molten rock through small nozzles to form continuous filaments. Although it is a manufactured process, the raw material is a natural mineral, so it is not classified as synthetic.
(c) Steel fibre
Origin: Man-made from metal.
Classification: Metallic (Inorganic). Steel fibers are produced by drawing or cutting steel. While they are manufactured, they are not polymers and are not classified as synthetic fibers in the same category as polyester or nylon. They are simply metallic fibers.
(d) Jute fibre
Origin: Natural, from the jute plant.
Classification: Natural (Vegetable/Plant). Jute fibers are extracted from the stem and outer skin of the jute plant. It is a traditional, natural fiber used for making ropes, burlap, and geotextiles.
💡 Study Tips for Fiber Types
- Synthetic = Petrochemical: The key characteristic of common synthetic fibers (Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic) is that they are polymers made from oil and gas.
- Natural = Plant, Animal, or Mineral: If the fiber's ultimate source is a plant (jute, cotton), an animal (wool, silk), or a rock (basalt, asbestos), it's a natural fiber.
- Look for the "Poly" Prefix: Many synthetic fibers have names starting with "Poly-" (Polyester, Polypropylene, Polyamide/Nylon), which is a strong clue that they are man-made polymers.