What is the difference between synthetic and natural materials?

Answer 1

Synthetic material is created through artificial man-made processes. They typically require labs and scientific instruments. Natural materials are produced by the Earth. Although both materials have a different path of production, both are the same molecularly. For example, an all natural vitamin C pill is has the same molecular make up as a synthetic vitamin C pill. They also will work in the same way.

Answer 2

Synthetic material means that it is entirely synthesised in a factory. Plastics are an example of synthetic material. Plastic has carbon-to-carbon bonds similar to cellulose or protein but plastic did not come from these natural materials.

Natural material is found or produced in nature. Iron is found in nature in its oxide and a smelter produces iron/ stainless steel from the natural material.

Coal and oil are found naturally and a factory produces plastics, paint, synthetic fabric etc.

There is some materials that are mainly natural but synthetically altered to change the properties to make it stronger, more resistant to decay etc. Some composite wood products would be an example of a hybrid material that uses natural and synthetic ingredients.