What are the main differences between natural fibers and synthetic fibers?
Natural fibers come from plant and animal sources, like linen from flax plants and wool from animals. Synthetic fibers are man-made and primarily derived from chemicals such as mineral oil, with rayon being an example of a synthetic fiber created from cellulose.
Natural Fibers
Natural fibers are derived from either plants or animals. For example, linen is made from the flax plant, known for its absorbency and coolness in hot weather, while wool is sheared from animals like sheep, llamas, or yaks, retaining warmth even when wet. Cotton is another plant-based natural fiber which has been cultivated since ancient times, and silk is a protein fiber produced by silkworms that has been used historically for luxurious fabrics.
Synthetic Fibers
On the other hand, synthetic fibers are man-made and are typically derived from chemical sources such as mineral oil. These fibers are engineered to mimic the properties of natural fibers or to have unique properties that natural fibers do not possess. Synthetic fibers are mostly known as plastics and can be more cost-effective and lighter than comparable natural materials. They are also versatile in manufacturing, able to be molded into various shapes. Rayon is an example of a synthetic fiber made from cellulose, a natural polymer that is chemically processed to create fibers.
In summary, the main differences between natural fibers and synthetic fibers lie in their origin and the materials they are made of. Natural fibers come from plant and animal sources, while synthetic fibers are primarily derived from chemical sources and are man-made.