Class 8 Science Chap 3 Synthetic Fibres &Plastics

Definitions & Important points

1. A very thin thread like structure of a substance is called fibre.

2. Fibres found naturally are called natural Fibres. Eg. Jute fibre, silk, cotton.
3. Man-made fibres are called synthetic fibres. Eg. Rayon, nylon, polyester, acrylic.
4. Monomers are small units of chemical substances.
5. Thousands of monomers join together to form a large unit called polymer.
6. Polymers can be linear or cross linked.
7. The process of joining together of monomers to form a polymer is known as polymerisation.
8. Cellulose is a natural polymer formed by joining of thousands of glucose molecules.
9. Cotton and jute are made of cellulose.
10. Proteins are polymers made of monomers of amino acids.
11. Properties of synthetic polymers:
A. Polymers do not corrode or rust.
B. They can be produced in various colours.
C. Different shapes can be given.
D. They are strong and inexpensive.
E. They are nonbiodegradable.
F. They catch fire easily.
12. Rayon is semi synthetic fibre as it is made from cellulose which is a natural polymer.
13. Rayon is the first synthetic fibre. It is also called Artificial Silk.
14. Nylon is the first fully synthetic fibre.
15. Polyester is made from a chemical polymer called ester.
16. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is most common form of polyester.
17. Terylene is also a form of polyester.
18. Acrylic is called Artificial Wool.
19. Mixed fibres are made mixing two fibres. Eg. Terywool is made by mixing terylene and wool.
Cotswool is made by cotton and wool.
20. Plastics are also synthetic polymers.
21. Thermoplastic become soft on heating and can be remoulded.
22. Polythene and polystyrene are thermoplastics.
23. Thermosetting plastic once set, cannot be remoulded even on heating.
24. Bakelite is a thermosetting plastic.

CP 1:

1. Small units that join to make polymer are called monomers.

2. Rayon is called as Artificial Silk.
3. Acrylic is used as a cheaper alternative to Wool.
4. Natural Fibres are obtained from natural sources like plants and animals.
5. Synthetic fibre is made from Artificial monomers of chemical substances.

CP 2:

1. Plastics are also synthetic polymers of long carbon chains.

 2. Plastics which on heating become soft and can be remoulded again and again into different
shape are called thermoplastics.
3. Do Table 3.1 on page 44 of book.
4. Plastics have a wide range of use because of their special properties.
They are light and durable, they have a long life.
They are resistant to weather conditions.
Plastics can be recycled.

PRACTICE TIME

A. MCQ:
1. B
2. C
3. B
4. D
5. D
6. A
7. B
B. Fill the blanks:
1. Monomers
2. PET, bottles
3. Acrylic
4. Polyethene, Bakelite
5. Nonbiodegradable
C. True or False:
1. F
2. T
3. T
4. F
D. One word answers
1. Man made fibre
2. Nylon
3. Thermosetting plastic
E. Define
Leave this section
F. Differentiate:
1.
Rayon Acrylic
It is semi synthetic fibre. It is fully synthetic fibre.
It looks like silk. It has a wool like feel.

2.
Natural fibres Synthetic fibres
They are not so strong. They are stronger than natural Fibres.
Moths and bacteria attack this fibre. They are resistant to moths and bacteria attack.
They absorb lot of water (hydrophilic). They do not absorb much water and dry easily
(hydrophobic).

G. Short answers
1. Thousands of monomers join together to form a large unit called polymer. Polymers
do not rust or corrode. They can be made in various shapes and colours. They are
strong and inexpensive.
2. Rayon is a semi synthetic fibre made from a natural polymer cellulose. Rayon is a
good absorbent. It does not shrink. It has silk like appearance. Rayon is used to
make clothes. It is used in making carpets and bedsheets.
3. Nylon is very strong and durable. It is lightweight and so is used to make rock
climbing ropes.
4. Plastics are of two types: thermoplastics and thermosetting Plastics. Plastics are
durable, resistant to weather and they can be recycled.
5. Two examples of thermoplastics are polythene and PVC. Two examples of
thermosetting Plastics are Bakelite and Melamine.
6. Bakelite is used to make electrical plugs, switches and handles of frying pans,
pressure cooker and electric iron. PVC is used widely to make insulating covering
over electric wires. It is also used to make floor tiles, hosepipes, car seats etc.
7. Properties of Acrylic are:-
• It is warm
• It is soft and lightweight.
• It is easy to wash.
• It dries quickly.
• It is easy to dye in various colours.
• It does not shrink, stretch or wrinkle.
• It is resistant to chemicals and moths.

It is used to make sportswear, socks, shawls,etc.

Acrylic is also used to make blankets and rugs.

8. Disadvantages of Plastics are:-

• They are nonbiodegradable.
• Recycling is very costly.
• Burning produces toxic fumes causing air pollution.

Three ways to reduce plastic pollution are:-

• Avoid plastic bags. Use jute, cloth or paper bags.

• Encourage reuse of plastic items.
• Proper disposal of plastic bags.
H. Give reasons:-
1. Bakelite is a very good insulator of electricity. It is a thermosetting plastic so even if
it gets heated, it will not melt and burn. That is why it is used to make electric
switches and plugs.
 2. Nylon is shiny and elastic, it is lightweight, absorbs less water and dries quickly. It
retains it’s shape and does not wrinkle. Hence it is good to make swimsuits.
3. Nylon catches fire very easily. On heating it will melt and stick to the skin causing
serious burns. Hence it should not be used in kitchen.
I. Skill based
1. Electric plugs are made of Bakelite which is a thermosetting plastic. Once it is
moulded it does not become soft or remould on heating.
2. A. They should fold and keep the empty packet of chips and only throw it in the
waste bin for recycling when they see one.
B. Jute bags are environment friendly because they are made of natural jute fibre
which is biodegradable and will not cause pollution.
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