Page 2 - Lesson Note

 Synthetic fibres are cheaper than natural fibre.
 Synthetic fibres are stronger than natural fibre.
 Synthetic fibres are more durable than natural fibre.
 Synthetic fabrics does not wrinkle and dries up in less time.
 Synthetic fibres are easy to maintain and wash.
 Synthetic fibres do not absorb sweat, thus making it uncomfortable to wear in
summers.

Rayon Nylon

Now, let us have a look over some differences between Natural and Synthetic Fibres:

Natural Fibre Synthetic Fibre
1. Natural fibres are fibres that are found in These fibres are man-made or simply
nature. prepared in lab.
Ex: Wool, Silk and Cotton etc. Ex: Nylon, Rayon etc.
2. They are good absorbents and so, are able to They do not have such air pores as they
absorb heat, temperature, cold, sweat etc. are made up of chemical substances and
depending on conditions and nature of fibres. so do not act as good absorbents.
3. Comfortable in use. Not as comfortable as natural fibres.
4. Their length is naturally obtained and it is not Their lengths can be controlled by man
possible to change the fibre structure. and the fibres can easily be changed to
different structures.

Water Absorption Properties of Fibres

 A fabric comfortable to wear can be determined by the absorption of water by the
fabrics.
 Different fibres have different water absorption capacities.
 Fibres that absorb very small amount of water are very uncomfortable to wear in hot
and humid climates.
 Fabrics that can be worn in summers absorb a large amount of water, which in turn
cools the body on evaporation.
 Synthetic fibres have lesser water absorbing capacities than the natural fibres.

[Activity #3 and #4 to be solved by the student and listed down in the Notebook.]

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