ID-Materials: September 2012

Natural fibers vs. Synthetic fibers

Fibers today are derived from many different sources, anything from plants and animals to chemicals. Times have changed and not only are natural fibers still being used, but synthetic fibers are now available. Fibers are big part of our everyday lives and have been for thousands of years. According to Lu and Clarke (1995) hemp is currently the oldest natural fiber and is reported to be first used by the Chinese 5,000 to 6,000 years ago (para. 1). Just recently man-made fibers were created which gave us a lot more options in fabric choices. From the clothes that we wear to the cash that we spend on those clothes, fibers surround us. Both natural fibers and synthetic fibers have their strengths and weaknesses, but does one have more of an advantage than the other?

Natural Fibers

Natural fibers are acquired from two main sources, cellulous, which is extracted from plants, and protein, which is derived from animal hair. Materials created from natural fibers are biodegradable and breathable, making them eco-friendly and user friendly. Natural fibers are also renewable, making them easy to recycle. Another highlight to producing the fibers is that they aren’t harmful to the environment. One minor disadvantage to these fibers is that they are not as durable as synthetic fibers and diminish over time. The most common natural fibers are cotton, linen, wool, and silk (Gibson 2010). Not only do natural fibers make up our clothing and blankets, but the American dollar bill as well. I recently learned that money is not made of paper, but “a custom blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen” (Forgach 2010). All in all natural fibers are more helpful than harmful and stand as a necessity society.

Synthetic Fibers

Synthetic fibers have become a major advantage in the fiber and the fabric world. The first attempt to create a synthetic fiber dates back to the 1600’s but wasn’t officially manufactured until the late 1800’s (Miklosic, n.d.). Synthetic fibers were designed to fix the flaws of natural fibers. Each man-made fiber contains specific characteristics that make them stronger, durable, longer lasting, and carry many other traits in their favor. Although these fibers have many benefits, they also have a few drawbacks. A couple disadvantages to man-made fibers are melting when too hot, they are produced from chemicals, and they are non-renewable (Adanur 1995). These inexpensive fibers allow us to enhance fabrics and make many more options available.

Team Work

Together, natural and synthetic fibers play an important role as much needed resources. Without these fibers so easily available, we would not experience the all the benefits from their assistance. In all honesty, both natural and synthetic fibers have their pros and cons but one does not out weigh the other.

References

Xiaozhai Lu & Robert C. Clarke (1995). The cultivation and use of hemp  (Cannabis sativa

L.) in ancient China. Retrieved from http://www.hempfood.com/iha/v2n1.html

Liesl Gibson (2010). Natural fibers used for manufacturing fabric. Message posted to

http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/natural-fibers-used-for-manufacturing-fabric

Kate Forgach (2010). What Is Money Made Of? Retrieved from

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/what-is-money-made-of

Galina Miklosic (n.d.). A Short History of Manufactured Fibers. Retrieved from

http://www.fibersource.com/f-tutor/history.htm

Sabit Abanur (1995). How to select synthetic fibers and fabrics. Message posted to

http://productsearch.machinedesign.com/research/materials_chemicals_adhesives/composites_textiles_reinforcements/synthetic_fibers_fabrics_polymer_textiles