Polyester (PES)
What is polyester?
Polyester is a plastic fiber formed from acids and alcohols. It consists of linear macromolecules, which in turn are made up of chains composed of at least 85% of the ester of an organic compound (diol) with an organic chemical compound (terephthalic acid). An ester is a group of chemical compounds formed by the reaction of an acid and an alcohol with the elimination of water.
How are polyester fibers manufactured?
Polyester fibers are produced using the melt spinning process. This process requires a viscous slurry, which is then spun through spinnerets. The filaments are then passed through a cold air duct, forming thin fibers that are strengthened by the sudden temperature change.
This process allows for precise control over the fiber cross-section, from round to angular. By customizing the cross-section, the properties of the resulting fibers can be influenced.
Properties of polyester fibers
Polyester fibers absorb very little moisture; in fact, they wick moisture away from the body, making them ideal for sportswear. Polyester is also very dimensionally stable and easy to care for; it doesn't shrink or fade. Because the fibers are highly elastic, polyester fabrics hardly wrinkle. Polyester fibers are also very weather-resistant, quick-drying, lightweight (microfiber), insulating, and show minimal signs of wear even with age.
Impregnation can make polyester water-repellent, further enhancing its weather resistance and making it well-suited for outdoor clothing.
Polyester is also well-suited for blending with other fibers. For example, blending polyester with wool or cotton results in more breathable fabrics. This allows the positive properties of various fibers to be combined in a single fabric.
Use of polyester fibers
Polyester has become a common material in the fashion industry. Its manufacturing process makes its properties highly versatile, allowing it to be used in many different areas.
For example, polyester fibers are often used for linings because polyester traps air, thus providing warmth. Polyester fibers are also frequently found in women's and men's outerwear. The fiber is also ideally suited for sportswear.
When the fibers are crimped (textured), they acquire a voluminous surface, which gives them excellent thermal insulation properties.
Difference between polyester and polyamide
Unlike polyamide, polyester is more heat-resistant. However, polyamide is more elastic and stretchable than polyester. Polyamide is also stronger than polyester. Polyamide is generally considered the strongest fabric among textile raw materials.
Fabrics made from polyester fibers
When polyester fibers are processed into fine fabrics, they are ideal for dresses or blouses. Polyester is extremely versatile, and through various manufacturing and finishing processes, a wide range of completely different fabrics can be produced. From voluminous, fluffy fabrics to flowing, soft fabrics, to semi-transparent fabrics, everything is possible. The two best-known fabrics made from polyester fibers are probably satin and chiffon.
- Satin: The classic satin fabric is actually a silk fabric woven in a satin weave . In this case, however, the satin fabric is woven from 100% polyester. This polyester satin is, so to speak, an easy-care and affordable alternative to silk satin. The typical characteristic of a satin weave is its fluid drape and smooth, glossy surface. With these qualities, satin is very well suited for elegant dresses and blouses.
- Chiffon: Classic chiffon, like classic satin, is traditionally made from silk. However, polyester chiffon is virtually indistinguishable from silk chiffon. These days, chiffon is also made from polyester because it is a more durable, easier-care, and more affordable alternative to silk chiffon. Chiffon is a very fine, sheer fabric with an irregular surface texture and a slightly sandy feel. It is frequently used for scarves.
Polyester fiber brands
There are many different polyester fiber brands, the most well-known being Trevira. Trevira is a brand of filament yarn made from 100% polyester. It is manufactured by Trevira GmbH ( https://www.trevira.de/ ), a company specializing in the production of branded fibers and filament yarns for a wide range of applications.
Other polyester fiber brands include Diolen, Vestan, Terylene, Tergal, Terlenka, Terital, Wistel, and Dacron.