Disadvantages Of Synthetic Fibres

Introduction

In the following report, I will be discussing how the manufacturing of synthetic fibres can have an effect on the economy and the environment. The aim of this research topic is to see if the manufacturing of synthetic fibres will create a positive or a negative effect on our environment, our economy, businesses involved to the consumer issues and what fibre are being used.

Definition about synthetic fibres and brief history and how synthetic fibres are new invention in the industry and have not been around for many years
Different types of synthetic fibres and how they have their advantages and disadvantages which can create a negative effect on the environment through pollution as they are not biodegradable.

Advantages

Synthetic fibres were produced to fix the flaws or the problems of natural fibres, flaws such as moth resistance, wrinkle resistances and lengthens the wearing period. Rayon and nylon were made around 100 years ago. In 1855 the first patent synthetic fibre was made by dissolving fibrous inners of the bark off of a mulberry tree and by adding chemicals to make cellulose. In 1924 the Celanse company was the first company to manufacture cellulose into rayon and was used in the textile industry, this is remarkable since silk had high prices and rayon mimics al the properties of silk and rayon can be manufactured at a lower price.

Different types of synthetic fibres and their properties
• Acetate is soft and silky and drapes well, is resistant to mildew, moths and shrinkage and is fast drying but does not absorb moisture, has a poor abrasion resistance.
• Acrylic is soft and luxurious, has a high resistance to chemicals and degradation from sunlight, is light weight, strong and drapes well and gives warmth but pills easily. High heat can melt the fabric and is made from a petrochemical called acrylonitrile.
• Nylon is made from petroleum, it is durable, strong, resistant to stains, resists mildew and bacteria, prevents static and abrasion resistant and does not absorb moisture which cause the skin to become clammy and makes it uncomfortable to wear next to the skin. It can melt when hot heat is applied

Carbon footprint
The carbon footprint is seen in two ways, the primary foot print which is what monitors carbon emission directly through energy consumption, e.g. electricity and transport and the secondary footprint which is the indirect carbon emission. Synthetic fibres use a large amount of energy when extracting oil from the ground and the production of polymers. Making a ton of nitrogen fertilizers releases almost 7 tons of carbon dioxide.

Effect on the economy Synthetic fibres effect the economy because they are more profitable to produce. They are cheaper, which mean manufacturers producing synthetic fibres will be more competitive and manufacturers who produce natural fibres will not get as many sales and will be affected because people will buy more synthetic fibres. The manufacturing of synthetic fibres provides less jobs which affects the unemployment rate of the country negatively, it provides less jobs because synthetic fibres are manufactured by machines and requires less people to manufacture