Introduction:
Man-Made Fiber is a fiber or filament which is manufactured by human efforts. Man-Made Fibers are classified into two broad categories: Organic man-made fiber and Inorganic Man-Made Fiber. Organic man-made fiber is generally synthesized from natural resources and contains carbon atoms as the key element in their polymer chain, while inorganic Man-made fibers are made from non-carbon-based different synthetic materials. In this article, we will compare and contrast organic and inorganic man-made fibers in terms of their properties, applications, and environmental impacts.
Properties:
One of the basic differences between organic and inorganic man-made fiber is the chemical composition. Organic man-made fibers contain carbon atoms in their backbone, which gives them some unique properties as they tend to be more flexible, have lower melting points, and are generally more soluble in organic solvents. In contrast, inorganic man-made fibers tend to be more rigid, have higher melting points, and are insoluble in most organic solvents.
Applications:
Both organic and inorganic man-made fibers have a wide range of applications in various industries. Organic man-made fibers are commonly used in the production of daily used fabrics and clothing items. Inorganic man-made fibers, on the other hand, are used in a variety of special applications such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, etc. are used for technical textiles and functional textiles. They are also used in the medical-textiles, scientific research, etc.
Environmental Impact:
The environmental impact of man-made fibers is a major concern. Organic man-made fibers are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than inorganic fibers. This is because they are sometimes derived from renewable resources, such as plant-based materials like cotton lint, wood pulps, etc., and can be biodegradable. However, some organic polymers, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), can release toxic chemicals when burned or disposed of improperly, causing harm to the environment and human health.
In contrast, inorganic man-made fibers are often derived from non-renewable resources, such as petroleum, and are generally not biodegradable. This means that they can persist in the environment for a long time, causing pollution and harm to wildlife. However, some inorganic Man-Made Fibers, such as silicons, are inert and have low toxicity.
Difference between Organic and Inorganic Man-Made Fiber:
There are some other differences between organic and inorganic man-made fibers. Here is a comparison table summarizing the differences between organic and inorganic man-made fibers:
| S/l | Basis | Organic Fiber | Inorganic Fiber |
| 01 | Definition | Man-Made Fiber made from organic material is known as Organic Man-Made Fiber. | Man-Made Fiber made from inorganic material is known as Inorganic Man-Made Fiber. |
| 02 | Chemical Composition | Must contain carbon on the backbone polymer chain. | Don’t contain carbon on the backbone of polymer chain, made from non-carbon-based materials. |
| 03 | Synthesis | It may be either regenerated or synthetic polymer. | It is a synthetic polymer. |
| 04 | Flexibility | Organic Man-Made Fibers are more flexible. | Inorganic Man-Made Fibers are more rigid. |
| 05 | Comfortability | Comfortable to wear. | Not comfortable to wear. |
| 06 | Molecular weight | Medium to higher. | Medium to low. |
| 07 | Durability | Comparatively less durable. | Comparatively more durable. |
| 08 | Melting Point | Lower melting point. | Higher melting point. |
| 09 | Solubility | More soluble in organic solvents. | Insoluble in most organic solvents. |
| 10 | Application | Popular for use in daily products like clothing. | Specially used for technical and functional textiles like Adhesives, insulation, waterproofing. |
| 11 | Environmental Impact | Derived from renewable resources, can be biodegradable, but some release toxic chemicals | Often derived from non-renewable resources, not biodegradable, but some are inert and have low toxicity. |
| 12 | Example | Nylon, Rayon, Spandex, etc. | Glass fiber, Carbon fiber, etc. |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the choice between organic and inorganic fibers depends on the specific application and the environmental impact. As the world becomes increasingly concerned about the environment, there is a growing trend toward the use of renewable resources and biodegradable fibers. The development of sustainable, safe, and environmentally friendly materials and processes is crucial for the future of our planet.
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Working as head of the dept. of Wet Process Engineering at Textile Engineering College, Zorargonj, Chattogram. He is also CEO at TEC Media and advisor at Textile Engineers Club. He hosts textile related online program ‘TEC Show’.