What are manufactured fibers derived from?

Manufactured fibers are indeed derived from thick liquids, often referred to as polymer solutions. The process of creating these fibers begins with the conversion of natural or synthetic materials into a viscous liquid, which can be extruded through spinnerets to form continuous filaments. This category of fibers includes well-known materials such as nylon, polyester, and rayon, which are not found naturally but are engineered through chemical processes to achieve desired characteristics like strength, durability, and elasticity.

Options that suggest derived sources like plant extracts and animal products focus instead on natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, which originate directly from plants or animals. Minerals, while they can contribute to certain fiber types (like asbestos), are not the basis for the majority of manufactured fibers. Thus, thick liquids stand as the defining characteristic of how manufactured fibers are produced.