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Quiz yourself on Finite & Renewable ResourcesGet your flashcardsBuild my revision planTrack my progress⚖️ Natural vs Synthetic Materials
Many everyday materials can be sourced naturally or manufactured synthetically. GCSE chemistry specifications require you to be able to distinguish between the two and explain why synthetic materials are often preferred in industry.
| Natural materials | Synthetic materials |
|---|---|
| Cotton (from cotton plant) | Polyester (from crude oil) |
| Wool (from sheep) | Nylon (stronger and more uniform than silk) |
| Silk (from silkworms) | Synthetic rubber (more consistent quality than natural rubber) |
| Wood and rubber (from trees) | Polythene, artificial fertilisers (Haber process) |
Why synthetic? Synthetic materials are designed to have specific, consistent properties. For example, synthetic rubber has more uniform composition than natural rubber from trees, and nylon can be made stronger than silk by adjusting the polymer chain. However, most synthetic materials are derived from finite petrochemical feedstocks, raising sustainability concerns.
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