What is the Difference Between Cellulosic and Synthetic Fiber?

The main difference between cellulosic and synthetic fibers lies in their origin and composition.

Cellulosic fibers are either naturally occurring or man-made fibers derived from cellulose, which is a structural component of plants. These fibers can be categorized into two types:

1. Natural cellulose fibers: These fibers are obtained directly from plants, such as cotton, flax, and hemp, without undergoing significant chemical processing.
2. Manufactured cellulose fibers: These fibers are made from natural cellulose-rich materials, such as cotton, wood pulp, grasses, and bamboo, but have been chemically altered from their natural state to produce man-made fiber. Examples include rayon and viscose.

Cellulosic fibers have certain characteristics, such as:

• High water absorbency, making them comfortable for summer wear and suitable for towels, handkerchiefs, and diapers.
• Good thermal conductivity, making them effective conductors of heat.
• High affinity for dyes, allowing for easy coloring.

Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, are man-made fibers created from chemical polymers, often derived from petroleum oil. Some common synthetic fibers include nylon, acrylic, spandex, and polyester. These fibers have different characteristics compared to cellulosic fibers:

• Low water absorbency, making them suitable for wash-and-wear and easy spot removal.
• High resiliency, resulting in less wrinkling and easier care.
• Low affinity for dyes, making coloring more challenging.

In summary, cellulosic fibers are derived from natural cellulose sources and have high water absorbency, good thermal conductivity, and high affinity for dyes, while synthetic fibers are man-made from chemical polymers and have low water absorbency, high resiliency, and low affinity for dyes.

Comparative Table: Cellulosic vs Synthetic Fiber

Here is a table comparing cellulosic and synthetic fibers:

Cellulosic fibers, also known as semi-synthetic fibers, have a natural base (cellulose) that is treated chemically to become a textile fiber. The most common cellulosic fibers include rayon and viscose. Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, are completely man-made and typically derived from petroleum-based materials. Examples of synthetic fibers include polyester, nylon, and acrylic.