Which of the following is not a natural fibre?

Concept

Natural fibres are obtained from plant, animal, or mineral sources, whereas synthetic fibres are manufactured from chemical polymers.

To classify a fibre, identify its source rather than judging it by appearance or use.

Application

Silk is an animal fibre obtained from silkworm cocoons. Cotton and jute are plant fibres obtained from seed hair and stem tissue, respectively. Acrylic is produced from synthetic polymers, so it is not a natural fibre.

Contrast

• Silk belongs to the natural-fibre group because its source is an animal.

• Cotton belongs to the natural-fibre group because it grows as seed hair on the cotton plant.

• Jute belongs to the natural-fibre group because it is obtained from a plant stem.

Cross-check

Grouping by source places silk, cotton, and jute under natural fibres and leaves acrylic in the synthetic-fibre group. Therefore, acrylic is the required answer.