Polyester – what kind of material is it, the pros and cons of polyester fabric, description

Polyester is a widely used fabric that is renowned for being strong and adaptable. Because of its capacity to imitate other materials while providing distinct advantages of its own, this synthetic fiber staple has grown to be a mainstay in the fashion and textile industries.

Polyester is a material of choice because of its strength, ease of care, and resistance to shrinking. It’s an extremely useful option for daily use because it’s frequently utilized in apparel, household textiles, and even outdoor gear.

Nevertheless, polyester has disadvantages just like any other material. Although it is less breathable than natural fabrics and is less expensive, some people may find it uncomfortable to wear in hot weather. You can choose fabrics more effectively for your needs if you are aware of polyester’s benefits and drawbacks.

Pros of Polyester	Cons of Polyester
Durable and resistant to wrinkles	Can trap heat, making it less breathable
Quick-drying and easy to clean	Not as soft as natural fabrics like cotton or wool
Resistant to stretching and shrinking	Can retain odors if not properly washed
Affordable and widely available	Not biodegradable, raising environmental concerns
Retains shape well, even after washing	Can feel rough on sensitive skin

What kind of fabric is polyester

Polyester (pes, polyester, PE) is a synthetic material made of polyester (or synthetic) fibers that resembles cotton or wool.

British scientists discovered polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a solid with a good viscosity, and the first synthetic fiber made from petroleum products in 1946. Terylene, which is translated as textile fabric, was used for general purpose. Later, DuPont acquired the license to manufacture polymers. The craze for novel textiles spread across the globe. Clothing made of dacron was regarded as stylish. Few people noticed at first that the fabric almost didn’t "breathe" and rustled when they walked.

The new fabric is called lavsan in our nation. The synthetic material named Laboratory of High-Molecular Compounds of the Academy of Sciences, which was produced by Russian scientists in 1949, is named after the initial letters of the institute’s name. The textile industry in Russia did not start using polyester right away to produce textiles. At first, it was utilized to create adhesive tape and packaging. It gained popularity in the early 1960s.

This fabric’s trade name has a different pronunciation in other nations. For instance, it is known as Dacron in the United States, Tergal in France, Terylene in the United Kingdom, Teteron in Japan, Tesil in the Czech Republic, Elana in Poland, and Diolen in Germany. These materials are all made of polyester fibers and share many of the same characteristics. The way the fibers are created and the threads are twisted differs between them.

How polyester is obtained

Synthetic polyester fiber, which is produced by processing petroleum products, is used to make polyester.

The technology used in production is intricate. It is challenging to comprehend what is what without an understanding of chemical processes. However, if you don’t delve too far or use any specialized vocabulary, the process for getting polyester threads looks something like this:

1. First, the initial components are obtained from hydrocarbons and oil.
2. In the process of chemical transformations from prepared raw materials under the influence of high temperature, thermoplastic polystyrene is isolated.
3. It is cleaned of impurities and heated. At high temperatures, the plastic melts and is passed in thin streams through small holes – spinnerets. When cooled, they form polyester fibers.
4. The resulting threads, depending on the technology used, are stretched to the desired length, density, strength, smoothness.
5. Fabric is formed from fibers combined into yarn as a result of interweaving the main and transverse synthetic threads. It can look completely different: from the finest lace to a material of high density and strength.

New textiles that are pleasing to the touch, long-lasting, dense, and moisture-resistant are created when additional synthetic or natural threads are woven into it during the weaving process.

The shape of the fibers, the technique used to weave the threads, and the chemical makeup of the raw materials used all affect the fabric’s appearance and properties.

Because of its longevity, ease of care, and resistance to wrinkles, polyester is a versatile synthetic fabric that is frequently used in clothing. Since it is composed of fibers derived from petroleum, it is reasonably priced and offered in a variety of forms. Polyester is robust and resistant to moisture, but because of how it is made, it occasionally feels less breathable than natural fabrics and is not as environmentally friendly.

Properties of polyester

Polyester is a thermoplastic that is derived at high temperatures by polycondensation in a vacuum from the dihydric alcohol ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. It is also referred to as lavsan in the textile industry and as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in chemistry.

Fabrics made of saturated polyesters are available. Reinforced plastics are made from unsaturated polyesters.

Polyester is a solid that is transparent in its amorphous phase and matte white when it crystallizes.

• It is durable, has dielectric properties.
• Does not deform even after getting wet.
• Melts at a temperature of 250 °C to 265 °C.
• Softens at 245 °C.
• Decomposes at a temperature of 350 °C.
• The percentage of elongation of polyester fibers is up to 55%.
• The percentage of moisture absorption from its own weight is 0.3%.
• Dissolves in toluene, benzene, acetone, ethyl acetate.
• Fabric density (the ratio of the mass of the thread to its length in den, 1 den = 1 g / 9 km of thread) – from 1.38 to 1.4 g / cm 3 .

Typical polyester varieties based on density:

• 300 d – PE with minimal density, does not let water through. It is used to make various accessories, equipment for tourists and athletes.
• 500 d – durable fabric used to sew tents, backpacks, awnings.
• 600 d – material resistant to aggressive external environments is used in the production of sports equipment and for tourist equipment.
• 900 d – fabric for clothing and equipment for use in extreme conditions. Repels water, does not let in ultraviolet light, withstands prolonged abrasion, retains the shape of products well.

Application of the material

Film, fiber, and plastic are the forms in which raw PE is produced. At first, it was mostly utilized to create technical fabrics, film, packaging bags, and plastic containers. Even today, secondary materials are used to make bags, plastic bottles, containers, furniture upholstery, compact discs, sturdy cords, and household appliances. Moreover, recycled PE is frequently utilized in the textile industry.

Polyester can be bulky, textured, staple, filament, or in the form of monofilaments, depending on how the fibers are interwoven.

These materials are used to create a variety of garments for different uses:

• Underwear, socks, blouses, dresses, shirts, trousers, tracksuits.
• Outerwear.
• Workwear.
• Bed linen.
• Decorative textiles: curtains, tablecloths, bedspreads, furniture covers, bathroom rugs.
• Toys.

Additionally, the material serves as the primary fabric for sewing backpacks, suitcases, umbrellas, tents, and sleeping bags. It is also used as filler and insulation for outerwear, blankets, pillows, and lining material.

Types of fabrics

What is the composition of polyester made of—natural or synthetic materials?

Yes, these can be 100% PE fabrics with threads made entirely of synthetic fibers. However, pure polyester fabrics are not common. This is typically a hybrid option.

Different textures can be found in polyester fabric, including rough, smooth, soft, silky, hard, matte, and synthetically shiny. Both thin and dense fabrics are possible. appear to be cotton, silk, or wool.

Different types of textile fabric can be identified based on their composition and intended use. These include:

• Raincoat (dyuspo, Jordan, taffeta, prince, bonding, file) – windproof, moisture-resistant fabric. It is used for sewing outerwear and workwear.
• Decorative (silk, jacquard, organza, brocade, taffeta, guipure) – a beautiful elegant fabric for interior items and festive outfits.
• Tent – waterproof durable material for sewing tents and awnings.
• Bed linen (polysatin, polycotton) – durable, wear-resistant and long-term use fabric for sewing bed linen.
• Knitted (fleece, jersey, micro-oil, twill) – a fabric made from a mixture of natural fibers and polyethylene, which is used for sewing warm trousers, jackets, thermal underwear and other clothing.
• Insulation (sintepon, holofiber, Thinsulate, Isosoft) – used as a filler for blankets, pillows, outerwear.
• Lining – the fabric is used as a polyester lining.

The types of polyester that are most frequently mentioned on clothing labels are:

• Polyester Mini Mesh – mesh material. It is used in sportswear as a lining. This fabric removes excess moisture during physical or sports activity and provides natural ventilation.
• Polyester Microfiber – lightweight and durable fabric formed by interweaving very thin threads. This material is windproof, waterproof, and keeps you warm in cold weather.
• Polyester Peach Washer – delicate fabric with a velvety surface. Has the same properties as Polyester Microfiber.
• Polyester / PVC – fabric with increased strength and moisture resistance. Additionally treated with polyvinyl chloride on the inside.
• Polyester Polar Fleece – unstructured fabric, pleasant to the touch, with a smooth surface and increased strength.
• Polyester Tricot Shiny – the fabric has a characteristic shine.
• Polyester Tricot is a durable material that does not lose its shape and color after repeated washing and long-term use.

Polyester in combination with other fibers

The qualities of both natural and synthetic fibers are enhanced when they are mixed.

PE + polyamide

When polyester and polyamide are combined, a silk-like, elastic, and lightweight fabric is created. It practically never changes shape or color and never fades, electrifies, or lets moisture through. The sewing of women’s underwear frequently uses it.

The fabric’s inability to absorb moisture well, deterioration in direct sunlight, and unsuitability for hot weather are some of its drawbacks.

Oxford is a material that exhibits high performance properties, meaning it can withstand mechanical, chemical, and atmospheric influences. It is made from thicker fibers woven in a different way. It is used to sew garments for tourists and for work.

PE + elastane (lycra, spandex)

Elastic smooth fabric, containing a mixture of polyester and elastane (typically 5-15% elastane and 85-95% polyester), is used to create a variety of garments such as swimsuits, tights, stockings, dresses, gloves, leggings, and theatrical costumes.

Here, the fabric’s ability to stretch at any density and let air through is utilized to its advantage.

One drawback is that white objects eventually turn yellow if they are exposed to light for an extended period of time.

It should be noted that the terms "elastane," "lycra," and "spandex" refer to the same fiber. This material goes by different names in other countries.

PE + viscose

Viscose is more resilient to fading, deformation, and shrinking when polyester fibers are added. Polyviscose is a brand-new elastic, long-lasting fabric that precisely "breathes," absorbs moisture, dries fast, and does not fade.

Mixed-fabric products feel good on the body, don’t deteriorate over time, and don’t develop abrasions or puffs. Clothes for the workplace, the home, and leisure are made from this fabric. 30% viscose and 70% polyester is the suggested ratio.

PE + cotton

Polycotton is a soft, body-friendly fabric made of a blend of cotton and polyester threads. They mostly use it to sew summer clothing, bedding, and household textiles.

The disadvantages of the erratic natural fabric were eliminated by combining these two fibers in a 50 to 50 ratio (PE = 35%, cotton = 65%). The new material is long-lasting, easily dyed in a variety of colors, less likely to wrinkle, and does not fade or lose its shape.

PE + wool

Items created from wool-polyester blended fabrics are warm, crease-resistant, and insect-proof. After washing, they neither shrink nor stretch.

The material becomes windproof and waterproof after being treated with specific agents. It is frequently used to sew pants, suits, and coats. Additionally, warm, lightweight hats, sweaters, and scarves are made with knitting threads.

Reviews

How do customers react to polyester?

Synthetic fabric is usually criticized by those who favor natural fabrics. They argued the following to justify the flaws:

• Such clothes are uncomfortable in hot weather.
• The fabric does not "breathe" well, you sweat quickly in it, skin irritations and itching are possible.
• It is highly electrified and makes unpleasant crackling sounds.
• In their opinion, any synthetic material is terrible. It is harmful, uncomfortable, and looks bad.
• Clothes that come into contact with the body should contain minimal amounts of synthetic material. This is especially true for children"s clothing.
• They prefer to use polyester fabrics mainly for bags, curtains, home textiles, and jackets.

Yes, polyester has disadvantages just like many other synthetic materials. including the ones already stated. As opposed to other synthetic materials, PE exhibits heat sensitivity. Ironing with a hot iron and washing at temperatures higher than 60 degrees can cause the fabric to distort. Clothes can easily lose their beauty if they are not properly cared for.

However, there are differing views from people who have put premium polyester clothing through testing and verified its benefits.

A small amount of synthetic material added to natural fabric has no effect on the garment’s quality. Furthermore, natural textiles take on new attributes:

• Resistance to dirt, fading, exposure to acids and solvents, durability.
• Clothes made from fabric with the addition of PE fibers last a long time, hardly wrinkle, do not stretch after washing, dry quickly, are not damaged by moths, and retain their shape well. It is easy to care for.
• Durable, heat-resistant fabric with water-repellent properties perfectly protects from bad weather and wind and is indispensable when sewing seasonal outerwear, jackets, camping equipment, windbreakers and trousers.
• Clothes made from polyester last longer and cost less.

Because it’s inexpensive and durable, polyester is a material that can be used for many different types of clothing. Because it doesn’t shrink or wrinkle, it’s a low-maintenance option for many clothes.

Polyester does, however, have certain disadvantages. In comparison to natural textiles, it may not feel as cozy against the skin and has the potential to trap heat.

Overall, polyester offers a good mix between affordability and usefulness, but it’s crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each material depending on your needs and preferences.

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