Polyester (PES)
What is Polyester?
Polyester is a plastic fiber made from acids and alcohols. It consists of linear macromolecules, which in turn consist of chains that consist of at least 85% of the ester of an organic compound (diol) with an organic chemical compound (terephthalic acid). An ester refers to a group of chemical compounds that are formed by the reaction of acid and alcohols with the elimination of water.
How are polyester fibers made?
The melt spinning process is used to produce polyester fibers. For this process you need a viscous mass, which is then spun through the spinnerets. The threads are then passed through a cold air shaft, so the thin fibers are formed, which are strengthened by the drop in temperature.
With this process it is possible to determine the cross section of the fibers; everything from round to angular is possible. With the individual design of the cross section you can influence the properties of the later fibers.
Properties of polyester fibers
Polyester fibers absorb very little moisture, in fact they transport moisture directly to the outside, making them ideal for making sportswear. Polyester is also very dimensionally stable and easy to care for; it neither shrinks nor fades. Because the fibers are very elastic, polyester textiles hardly wrinkle. Polyester fibers are also very weather-resistant, quick-drying, light in weight (microfiber), have an insulating effect and hardly show any signs of wear even with age.
Polyester can also be made water-repellent through impregnation, making the material even more weather-resistant and therefore suitable for outdoor clothing.
Polyester is also suitable for mixing with other fiber raw materials. For example, if you mix polyester with wool or cotton, the fabrics become more breathable. This means you can combine the positive properties of a wide variety of fibers in one fabric.
Use of polyester fibers
Polyester is now a common material in the fashion industry. Due to the way it is manufactured, its properties are very changeable, meaning it can be used in many different areas.
For example, polyester fibers are often used for linings because polyester traps air and therefore has a warming effect. Polyester fibers are also often found in women's and men's clothing. The fiber is also ideal for sportswear.
When the fibers are crimped (textured), they get a voluminous surface, which means they develop good thermal insulation properties.
Difference between polyester and polyamide
In contrast to polyamide, polyester is more heat-resistant. Polyamide is more elastic and stretchy than polyester. Polyamide is also stronger than polyester. Polyamide is generally considered to be the strongest material among textile raw materials.
Fabrics made from polyester fibers
If the polyester fibers are processed into fine fabrics, they are ideal for dresses or blouses. Polyester is extremely versatile and through different manufacturing and finishing processes you can produce a large selection of completely different materials. From voluminous, fluffy fabrics to flowing, soft fabrics to semi-transparent fabrics, everything is possible. The two most popular fabrics made from polyester fibers are probably satin and chiffon.
- Satin: The classic satin fabric actually describes a silk fabric that was woven altas weave In this case, however, the satin fabric is woven from 100% polyester. This polyester satin is, so to speak, an easy-care and inexpensive alternative to silk satin. The typical feature of a satin binding is its flowing drape and its smooth, shiny surface. With these properties, satin is ideal for elegant dresses and blouses.
- Chiffon: Classic chiffon, like classic satin, is actually made from silk. However, the polyester chiffon can hardly be distinguished visually from silk chiffon. Nowadays, chiffon is also made from polyester as it is a longer-lasting, easier-care and cheaper alternative to silk chiffon. Chiffon is a fabric that consists of a very fine, transparent weave with an irregular surface appearance and a sandy feel. It is often used for cloths.
Polyester fiber brands
There are many different polyester fiber brands, the best known being Trevira. Behind the brand name Trevira are filament yarns made of 100% polyester. They are manufactured by Trevira GmbH ( https://www.trevira.de/ ), which specializes 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 or Dacron.