Polyester fabrics are the most commonly used man-made fabric in the world, with many different types and blends. They are popular for clothing, home furnishings, and industrial materials.
The origins of polyester can be traced back to the late 1920s, when chemists discovered that a monomer (single, non-repeating molecule) could be created by reacting an alcohol with a carboxylic acid. This resulted in a variety of synthetic fibers, including nylon and polypropylene.
In the 1940s, British chemists J.T. Dickson and J.R. Whinfield patented a polyethylene terephthalate called PET, which was later known as polyester. This material was brought to market in the United States by DuPont in the 1970s.
There are many different types of polyester fabrics, and each one has its own unique properties. Some are very soft, while others are less so. These differences are due to the methods in which they are created.
Ethylene polyester, also known as PET, is the most common type of polyester. It can be created from a number of different sources, including coal, water, petroleum, and air.
It's a durable fabric, with excellent strength and a long lifespan. It's also lightweight and breathable, making it ideal for sportswear.
Some polyesters are also resistant to moisture and chemicals, making them ideal for outdoor apparel. These qualities make them popular for hoodies, windbreakers, and other clothing.
Textile and home decor applications include upholstery, drapery, and tablecloths. They are commonly dyed using water-based inks and direct-to-garment printing, a method that uses a high-speed printer to apply colorful designs to the surface of the fabric.
Textured yarns, filament yarns, and spun yarns are all a part of the production process for polyester fabrics. They are then woven together to create a finished product.
Most types of polyester fabrics aren't biodegradable, and they can clog up landfills. This means that they have a negative impact on the environment, and it's important to find alternative fabrics that are biodegradable or made with natural fibers.
There are also plant-based polyesters, which use ethylene from sugar cane and other natural sources. These types of fabrics are typically more expensive to produce than their PET counterparts, but they do have some positive environmental benefits.
Another way to create polyester is by recycling used plastic bottles, such as the ones you'll find in your pantry. This method produces polyester that's both durable and versatile, and it requires no additional energy to create.
The polyester produced through this method is then mixed with terephthalic acid, which melts at a temperature of 150 to 210 degrees Celsius. The molten polymers are then passed through a spinner to form small and round openings in the material.
Once the resulting fabric is woven, it can be used in the production of apparel and other products like bags and blankets. It can also be used in the creation of textiles that are both durable and breathable, such as carpets and curtains.
Polyester is a common choice for upholstery and home decor because it's inexpensive and durable. It's also easy to dye, so artists can use it for a variety of decorative projects. It's also resistant to moisture and chemicals, which makes it a great option for cleaning glass and other delicate surfaces.
Polyester and spandex Fabrics
Polyester and spandex fabrics |
|
FW |
165CM---200CM |
GW |
140GSM---180GSM |
FC |
92%P 8%S---95%P 5%S |