Polyester is a fabric used almost everywhere and one of the most popular among synthetics

One of the most adaptable materials available today is polyester. This synthetic material has found widespread use in a variety of industries, from apparel and home textiles to industrial applications.

Polyester, which resists shrinking and wrinkles and is known for its durability, is preferred for use in upholstery and daily clothing. It is also more affordable than natural fibers, making it available to a larger variety of customers.

Polyester is likely to come up whether you’re looking for fabric for outdoor gear, choosing home décor, or going clothing shopping. Its growing popularity has made it a go-to fabric for a wide range of applications.

Appearance and properties

Film, fiber, and plastic are the forms in which polyester (pes, polyester, PE) is manufactured. Initially, it was mostly employed in the manufacture of plastic containers. The textile industry uses it extensively these days. It holds its shape well, resists prolonged abrasion, and is water-repellent.

Data. At 360 °C, polyester breaks down, and it melts between 250 and 265 °C. The range of density is 1.38 to 1.4 g/cm^3. PE absorbs 0.3% of its own weight in moisture. Elasticity of polyester fibers is 12─55%.

Many organic substances, including the following, dissolve polyester:

  • ethyl acetate;
  • toluene;
  • benzene;
  • acetone.

Because synthetic materials are "too tough" for Earth’s inhabitants, they accumulate and contaminate the environment. Modern technologies have made it possible to overcome polyester’s drawback—its extreme durability—into a benefit. As a result, recycled polyester is used to make stylish clothing for many well-known brands. Recycled materials are utilized in the manufacturing of household appliances, bags, plastic containers, bottles, sturdy cords, compact discs, and upholstery for furniture.

Origin of fibers and production of fabrics

A class of textiles made of polyester fibers is called polyester. Composed of polyethylene terephthalate (C10H8O4)n ─ polymer, which appears as a solid white material in normal circumstances. Although different manufacturers may use different processes to produce PE, the fundamental ideas are always the same.

Polyester is made through a series of intricate chemical reactions that call for the observation of specific parameters and the use of numerous reagents.

Petroleum products make up the raw materials, specifically:

  1. ethylene glycol;
  2. terephthalic acid, or more precisely its dimethyl ester, i.e. ether.

Polyethylene terephthalate, which resembles resin, is created when catalysts are involved in the transesterification and polycondensation of reagents. There are additional steps in the production process that make the polymer more viscous.

Polyester melts when heated, producing the thinnest streams when it passes through the smallest holes. They solidify and start to thread when cooled. The production process can be altered to produce fibers with different levels of thickness and smoothness.

Classification by density

Dens, or the mass to length ratio of a fiber, are used to quantify fabric density. The table below lists the most popular varieties of polyester.

300 d 500 d 900 d
PE of the lowest density, from which accessories, tourist and sports equipment are made. Fabric from which backpacks, tents, transport awnings are sewn. PE, does not let sunlight through, and also repels moisture. Suitable for extreme conditions.

Types of 100% polyester fabrics

The method used to weave the fibers determines the variety of 100% polyester. This characteristic states that polyester can be monofilaments, voluminous, textured, filament, and stapled. Clothes, textiles, and plush toys are made from these materials. They come in various varieties that are used as insulation, including holofan, synthetic winterizer, and holofiber. Hollow twisted threads make up hollofiber, which is made of synthetic winterizer made of densely packed fibers. The capacity to eliminate surplus moisture, their capacity to retain heat, and their safety for the environment are what set them apart.

Polyester is a versatile material that goes by many names, the following being the primary ones:

  1. Trevira;
  2. Dacron;
  3. Terylene;
  4. Lavsan;
  5. Diolen;
  6. Teteron;
  7. Tesil.

Interesting. The inventor of Lavsan, the laboratory of high-molecular compounds of the Academy of Sciences (then the Soviet Union), is honored by the name of the product.

Feline is a non-woven fabric that is frequently composed of polyester. It appears visually to be warm sheep’s wool. Fabric that resists frost is ideal for making warm jackets, pants, and thermal underwear. Occasionally enhanced with fibers from cotton or linen.

Microscopic polyester fibers serve as the foundation for the lightweight microfiber fabric. The material is wind- and waterproof. Micropolyester clothing protects against wind and stays warm in the winter.

Combination with other fibers

Popular fabrics get better qualities from polyester. The following are instances of the most effective pairings:

PE + cotton

Cotton is a hygroscopic, breathable, soft to the touch, and environmentally friendly material. It is used to sew summer clothing and undergarments. However, erratic cotton creases easily and becomes unattractive. It creates a long-lasting, shape-retaining, wrinkle-free fabric when combined with polyester fibers. It is still hygienic, eco-friendly, and hygroscopic at the same time. Any kind of textile, including children’s clothes and bed linens, is produced using it. Moreover, these bed linens are twice as durable as those made of pure cotton. PE:cotton (35/65%) is the most common ratio.

PE + polyamide (nylon)

Two synthetic materials, the lighter and smoother one being the second. Since it cannot absorb moisture, direct sunlight destroys it. Surgery uses hypoallergenic polyamide as a suture material because it does not irritate the skin. Although it does not allow wind or rain through, it is still in demand when sewing outerwear for the semi-season. It is not very suitable for hot weather.

Thickner fibers and an alternative weaving technique yield a robust material known as "Oxford." It has excellent performance qualities. It is resistant to mechanical, chemical, and atmospheric stresses. It is used to sew different kinds of workwear and clothing for tourists. The cost of blended fabric is impacted by the fact that nylon is more expensive than PE. It is more resilient and able to tolerate outside influences.

It’s employed in sewing:

  • swimming trunks, swimsuits;
  • raincoats;
  • sportswear;
  • jackets;
  • umbrellas;
  • bags;
  • hosiery;
  • ropes;
  • gaiters.

PE + viscose

Viscose exhibits strong deformation when wet and high water absorption. Polyester gives it greater stability, resistance to shrinking, and resistance to fading from direct sunlight. Blended fabrics are soft to the touch and are used in both adult and child apparel for daily wear.

PE + elastane

What sets apart a polyester and elastane mixture is:

  • increased breathability;
  • strength;
  • elasticity.

Since the material stretches well, it is used in the production of many goods, the primary ones being:

  • tight sportswear;
  • socks;
  • leggings;
  • gloves;
  • theatrical costumes;
  • swimsuits;
  • tight dresses.

One disadvantage of well-stretching products is that white ones eventually turn yellow, especially if they are left in the sun for an extended period of time.

Polyester + wool

Compared to pure wool, the combined option is far superior. It doesn’t get smaller or get devoured by moths. Polyester has a specific gravity that frequently surpasses 10%. The fabric is used to sew suits, pants, skirts, and outerwear. This composition’s yarn is well-liked by hand knitters.

Feature Details
Durability Polyester is known for its high durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Versatility This fabric is used in a wide range of products, from clothing to home textiles.
Low Maintenance Polyester is easy to care for, often requiring simple washing and minimal ironing.
Affordability Polyester is generally more affordable compared to natural fabrics.
Moisture Resistance The fabric dries quickly and resists moisture absorption.

Polyester is a mainstay in the textile industry because of its adaptability and toughness. This fabric can be used for a wide range of purposes, from specialized products to daily clothing.

Polyester is still evolving, though, and now offers better breathability, comfort, and eco-friendly options. It is a well-liked option for both producers and customers due to its many applications, low cost, and simple maintenance.

Knowing the qualities of polyester enables you to utilize it wisely and select the appropriate fabric for your needs, whether they are industrial, home textiles, or fashion-related.

Polyester is a multipurpose synthetic fabric that has gained a lot of popularity because of its affordability, toughness, and versatility in everything from apparel to home furnishings. Manufacturers and consumers alike choose it because of its resistance to wrinkles, good color retention, and low maintenance requirements.

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Maria Vlasova

Fabric researcher and collector. My passion is finding rare and unique materials that can inspire me to create something special. I travel a lot to find new fabrics and learn about the traditions of their production. On this site I share my discoveries and talk about how to choose and use fabrics in different areas of life.

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