The Sunday Quiz This week, its all about synthetic fibres
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On September 27, 1938, American conglomerate DuPont announced at the final session of a forum on ‘Current Problems’ that they had made the first man-made organic textile fibre. It was derived from "coal, water and air," and was "as strong as steel, as fine as the spider's web". What fibre was this that was first seen on toothbrushes and women’s stockings?
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This is a heat-resistant synthetic fibre that was developed in DuPont in 1965. Due to its high tensile strength, it was first used as a replacement for steel in racing tyres. Though it is used in many fields such as cryogenics and sports, its most famous use is to make a certain type of wardrobe that is a requisite for dangerous work conditions. Which fibre is this and where is it famously found?
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These synthetic fibres are made by linking up thousands of acrylonitrile monomer units. Strong and warm like wool, it is most notably found in sweaters and tracksuits. It is produced as a filament and can then be cut into desired lengths. Due to it being washable and not causing allergic reactions, it is popular among hat, sock and glove manufacturers. What is the name of this fibre that comes from its basic ingredient?
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These are fibres about 5–10 micrometres in diameter and composed of multiple atoms of a certain basic element. It has high chemical resistance, high strength, low weight and does not expand under heat. These qualities make it an excellent candidate to use in aerospace, F1 racing and military designs. Depending on the process, these fibres can be either woven into fabric or baked into a polymer. What fibres are these?
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These are synthetic fibres that have a diameter smaller than the diameter of a strand of silk, which is itself about 1/5 the diameter of a human hair. Mostly made from polyesters or polyamides, they can be made soft or tough, water absorbent or repellent, and even electrostatic. What is the name given to these fibres due to their size?
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Nomex was developed by DuPont in the 1960s through the condensation reaction of two monomers. It has an aromatic backbone that makes it rigid and durable, and excellent radiation resistance. It has a particular characteristic that renders it extremely useful in making safety clothing for emergency response workers. What is its defining characteristic, which also makes it an excellent material to make electrical laminates from?
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Polyesters are polymers that contain an ester functional group in their main chain. Some of them occur naturally in plant cuticles and are biodegradable. Synthetic polyesters are non-biodegradable, and one of the most commonly found polymers is polyethylene terephthalate. It is used in fibres for clothing and, in India, commonly for making containers. How better do we know this polymer and what is its most common use?
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Ralph Wiley accidentally discovered PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride) when he found a vial he could not scrub clean while cleaning laboratory glassware. PVDC forms a barrier against water and oxygen, making it perfect for protecting food and other vital equipment. Fighter planes were coated in it, car seats were covered in it and in 1953 its most popular use came as a plastic food wrap. What is the name of this wrap that is used by many fast-food outlets?
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Elastane or Lycra is a synthetic polyether-polyurea that has exceptional elasticity. It launched a fashion craze in the 50s when actresses like Audrey Hepburn posed for magazine covers in Lycra. After its introduction in the Winter Olympics, it became standard in sports because of its flexible and lightweight nature. Its common name is an anagram of its signature characteristic — 'expands'. How better do we know Lycra?
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This is an English-language daily started by four law students, a school teacher and a college lecturer. In 1940, it became the first newspaper to print in colour, and the first newspaper to own an aeroplane to distribute newspapers. In 1995, it became the first ever Indian newspaper to have an online presence.
