Man-made Fibre: Synthetic Fibres - Dacron, Terylene, Terene

1. Starting Material: Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are chemicals found in mineral oils (like the oil that comes from underground). These hydrocarbons are useful because they can be transformed into new materials that help make synthetic fibres.

2. Making polymer chains

Imagine a long train made up of many small cars linked together. In chemistry, a polymer chain is similar but with many small chemical units connected to form a long chain. These chains are created by chemically joining these units together in a process that turns the liquid form of hydrocarbons into a thicker, more useful substance.

3. Forming the Fibres

The thick polymer solution is pushed through a tool called a strainer, which has very small holes. This process is a bit like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube, but much finer. As the solution comes out of the holes, it stretches into long, thin fibres that cool and harden into threads.

4. Twisting into Yarn

These long threads are then twisted together to make yarn. Yarn is what we use to knit sweaters or weave fabric.

5. Variety of Synthetic Fibres

Different Names for Synthetic Fibres: Dacron, Terylene, and Terene- Each name represents a different type of synthetic fibre. These different names usually come from the various chemicals added or slight changes in the process, which give each type of fibre unique qualities (like being extra strong, stretchy, or soft).

6. Purpose of Synthetic Fibres

Synthetic fibres like Dacron, Terylene, and Terene are used to make things like clothes, bags, and even sportswear because they can be made to be durable, easy to clean, and resistant to water.