Difference Between Natural Fibre And Synthetic Fibre
Two kinds of fibers are available in the textile field: man-made fiber and natural fiber. Natural fibers are that are produced by plants, animals, and geological processes and can be spun into filament, thread, or rope and further be woven, knitted, matted, or bound. Cotton and linen are plant fibers, while silk and wool come from animal sources. Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber. In this article, we discuss on Difference Between Natural Fibre And Synthetic Fibre.
Man-made fibers are created from natural materials or by chemical processes. Man-made fibres are two types. One is synthetic fiber, and another is regenerated fiber. Synthetic fiber is manufactured using chemical processes such as nylon, polyester, etc. Regenerated fiber is manufactured by dissolving a natural material, such as cellulose, and then restoring or regenerating the material through extrusion and precipitation, such as viscose, rayon, etc.
Manmade Fibers or Synthetic Fibres are replacing natural ones:
Manmade fibers or synthetic fibers are replacing natural ones. The reasons for this change are stated below:
We know fiber quality depends upon its properties like length, fineness, strength, elasticity, crimp, color, maturity, action with water alkali, acids, etc. in the case of man-made fiber, we can give the fibers our required properties as we want. But in the case of natural fiber, it is not possible because it gets its characteristic properties from nature. For example, we can get polyester fiber both in staple and filament form but we can not get cotton fiber as filament form.
There are also other points that differentiate man-made from natural fiber:
- The strength of man-made fiber is greater than that of natural fiber.
- The production of natural fiber depends upon natural conditions, but the production of man-made fiber does not depend on natural fiber.
- Man-made fiber processing is easier than natural fiber.
- The properties of man-made fiber, i.e., strength, appearance, the action of acids, elasticity, etc. can be changed, but not in the case of natural fiber.
- Man-made fiber is cheaper than natural fiber.
- Floods, droughts, and natural calamity has no effect on man-made fiber.
Difference Between Natural Fibre and Synthetic Fibre
Comparison/difference Between Natural Fibre and Synthetic Fibre under a microscope and also physical view is given below in the table:
Natural Fibre | Synthetic Fibre |
The fiber that we get from nature is natural fiber. | The fibers are made by synthetic or regenerating systems. |
No of molecules is not limited. | No of molecules is limited. |
The no of molecules is controlled by nature. The length cannot be controlled. | The no of molecules controlled by man and length can be controlled. |
No need for a spinneret for the spinning process. | Spinneret is must essential for filament production. |
The fabric made from natural fiber is comfortable and good for health. | Synthetic fiber is uncomfortable and not good for health. |
It is comparatively less durable than manmade fiber. | It is comparatively more durable than natural fire. |
Natural fiber is expensive. | It is not expensive. |
It cannot grow everywhere we have to depend on nature. | It can grow everywhere, for production no dependence on nature. |
It is not much favourable for finishing. | It is favorable for finishing. |
It can’t generate static electricity. | It can generate too much static electricity. |
Natural crimp has remained here. | No natural crimp has remained. Extra crimped have to insert on it. |
The productions of natural fiber depend on nature climate and environment. | Synthetic fiber can be produced with local materials and chemicals. It does not depend on nature. |
Dust and impurities could be in natural fiber. | No dust or impurities are contained in man-made fiber. |
It is hygienic. | Some are not hygienic. |
Dyeing process is easy. | It is not easy to dye. |
The strength of natural fiber is low. | The Strength of manmade fiber is high. |
Its lifetime is comparatively low. | Comparatively life time is high. |
In most cases, pretreatment processes (scouring and bleaching) are done. | Bleaching and scouring are not needed. |
Finally, we explained the Difference Between Natural Fibre and Synthetic Fibre as much as possible.