POLYESTER FIBERS

PROPERTIES

The first manmade polyester fiber was developed by DuPont in 1946 and was sold under the tradename Terylene. The majority of todays polyester fibers are composed of terepthalic acid and ethylene glycol (PET).

Yarns and fabrics made from this type of polyester are strong, very elastic (springs back into shape), and have high abrasion and wrinkle resistance. However, polyester fibers are not as strong as nylon fibers. Furthermore, polyester fabrics are highly stain-resistant. In fact, the only class of dyes that can be used to dye polyester fabrics is dispersed dyes.

Polyester fibers are sometimes spun together with natural fibers to achieve certain blended properties. For example, blends of cotton and polyester can be strong, wrinkle and tear-resistant, and have reduced shrinkage. Synthetic polyester fibers have better water, tear and environmental resistance compared to plant-derived fibers. However, cotton - polyester blends are less breathable than cotton and trap more moisture while sticking to the skin. They are also less flame resistant and can melt when ignited.

Unlike cotton, polyester is not naturally biodegradable and thus decomposes only very slowly which can cause a significant problem to the environment if textiles made of polyester are not fully recycled or properly disposed of.

COMMERCIAL POLYESTER FIBERS

Major manufacturers of polyester fibers are Akra, DAK Americas, Sun Fiber LLC, Indorama, DuPont, Kuraray, Mitsubishi Rayon, Radici Group, Reliance Group, Teijin, and Universal Fibers.

APPLICATIONS

Knitted or woven fabrics made from polyester thread or yarn are used extensively in apparel and home furnishings. The applications range from clothing articles like shirts, pants, socks and jackets to home furnishing and bedroom textiles like blankets, bed sheets, comforters, carpets, cushioning and insulating in pillows, upholstery padding and upholstered furniture. Industrial polyester fibers, yarns and ropes are used in tire reinforcements, safety belts, tapes, fabrics for conveyor belts, and in plastic reinforcements with high-energy absorption.