Name different artificial fibres and write their uses.
Following are the main artificial fibres with their uses:
(i) Rayon : Rayon called the artificial silk as it has great lustre and is light in weight. It is obtained by the chemical treatment of wood pulp. It can be woven like silk and dyed in different colours. It is used as dress material. Mixed with cotton, it is used to make curtains, bedsheets etc. It is mixed with wool to make beautiful carpets.
(ii) Nylon : It is the strongest fibre. It is made by coal, water and air. It is elastic in nature and light in weight. It is lustrous and thus ideal for making dresses. It is also used to make stockings, seat belts, ropes, tents, toothbrushes, sleeping bags, curtains and parachutes etc.
(iii) Polyester : It is made up of multiple units of ‘esters’. The clothings made of this fibre do not get wrinkled easily. It is always crisp and easily washable. PET is also derived from polyester which in turn is used to make containers, utensils, films, wires etc.
(iv) Acrylic : Acrylic is just like wool and is used to make sweaters and suit lengths.
