Synthetic Materials: Characteristics, Types, and Examples

The product manufacturing industry is now developing, in which the manufacturers do not only use natural materials but also synthetic materials. This material has a similar appearance to natural materials.

However, synthetic material has distinct characteristics. To learn more about synthetic material for production, read the explanation below!

What Is Synthetic Material?

Synthetic materials are raw materials made from synthetic fibers, usually petroleum, coal, or natural gas, rather than animal or vegetable fibers. Typically, you can find these materials in the form of polymers, such as nylon, polyurethane, or polycarbonate.

Petroleum, natural gas, and coal are processed through complex chemical reactions to be synthetic fibers. Synthetic fiber production for any purpose has increased since 1940. In 2019, the global production of synthetic fiber reached 76.5 million metric tonnes.

Then, why does synthetic material become the ace in several industries? This material has strong and durable characteristics as well as supports production efficiency because it can be mass-produced thanks to its consistent properties.

Not only that, this material can be adjusted with high precision, making the quality consistent. Another characteristic is that it is resistant to various conditions, such as extreme environments and weather. As a result, products with this material have a longer utility value if used properly.

The most appealing characteristic of synthetic material is that it is not natural, so you will not find it in nature. It also emerges from the process of creation by humans through a series of processes and technologies.

Moreover, some products made of synthetic materials might not have the aesthetic appearance of natural materials. For example, a table made of natural wood will have a more unique color and texture rather than a table made of synthetic material with a wood-like appearance.

The Production Process of Synthetic Material

To make synthetic material, raw materials such as coal, petroleum, or natural gas are processed into simpler forms, namely intermediate chemicals. Then, these materials will go through several complex chemical reactions to become synthetic polymers.

Synthetic polymers will be processed to the next step to be synthetic fibers which later are used for production materials. To make synthetic fibers, all processes must be precise and monitored tightly, ensuring that the quality stays consistent.

This also gives synthetic materials consistent and unified characteristics that are suitable for mass production. It surely increases production efficiency.

Types of Synthetic Materials

As explained before, basic chemical materials are in the form of natural gas and petroleum processed to be synthetic fibers. There are various types of synthetic fibers resulting from processing basic chemicals, including:

1. PVC

PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a synthetic material often found in cables, pipes, and insulators. The characteristics of this material are strong, durable, and waterproof.

2. Polyolefins

Polyolefins are plastic materials made of olefin monomer. Typically, you can find it in the form of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Polyolefins are usually used to produce food containers, automotive components, plastic sheets, and many more.

3. Styrene Monomer

Styrene monomer is a synthetic material used to make styrene-based products, like polystyrene (PS). You can find it in toys, plastic cups, shoe soles, and electronic components.

4. Butadiene

Butadiene is a synthetic material with a rubber-like characteristic. Generally, it is used to produce elastic products, such as tires, sealants, coatings, and shoe soles.

5. Nylon

Nylon is often used to produce outdoor attire, such as sportswear, ropes, and socks. Nylon is famous for its strength and elasticity.

6. Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is often used in products that you can generally find, such as bags, clothes, and shoes. Its characteristics are durable, not easily wrinkled, and strong.

7. Acrylic

Acrylic is usually found in carpets and blankets due to its warm and soft characteristics. Acrylic also has a texture like animal-based wool.

8. Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a strong and waterproof synthetic fiber. Some products using polyurethane are jackets, shoes, and bags.

9. Spandex

Spandex is an elastic and flexible synthetic fiber that can expand well. This material is used to produce sportswear and swimwear.

Those are information about synthetic materials you can learn. When choosing production materials, you must prioritize high-quality products. If you are looking for top-notch chemical materials, Chandra Asri Group can be your go-to solution.

Chandra Asri Group has world-class integrated chemical solutions. Chandra Asri Group offers many chemical raw materials that can be used for the production process, such as olefins, polyolefins, styrene monomers, butadiene, and so on. So, always choose quality raw materials for high-end production results!