3 Different Types of Polyester Fabric and Their Properties

In this blog, we will explain three different types of polyester fabric and their properties.

In 1941, a synthetic fiber called polyester was created. It is made of petroleum, coal, air, and water. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is the most widely used type of polyester fabric. Strong, quick-drying, wrinkle- and mildew-resistant, non-shrinking PET can alter the properties of other fabrics with which it is combined.

Here is an introduction that details the traits and uses of the three.

PET (Ethylene Polyester)

Ethylene Polyester, Polyethylene Terephthalate, or PET is the name of the type of polyester that is most frequently used to make clothing. Although the ethylene used to make this fabric is derived from petroleum, it goes through a lengthy manufacturing process where ethylene polymers hold other chemicals together to create fibers.

The four most popular techniques used by manufacturers to make this material into fabric are as follows. These four varieties of polyester are created through the filament, staple, tow, and fiberfill manufacturing processes.

• Continuous, long, fine fibers make up polyester filament fabric. But because polyester is essentially a plastic, even these superfine strands feel like a finer version of a fishing line and do not produce the softest fabric.
• Chemicals and agitation are used to soften the fibers in polyester staple or spun. Additionally, before weaving the fabric, many short fibers in staple polyester are twisted together to form yarns. These procedures produce a much softer, but less resilient, variety of polyester.
• Easily broken up polyester tow is frequently used as stuffing. Additionally, it is a method of reusing recycled polyester in the fabric.
• When filling a large volume of space, such as the interior of a pillow, fiberfill polyester uses long, uninterrupted strands of fiber that have been fluffed up with air.

Plant-Based Polyester

The same chemicals found in PET polyester are also present in plant-based polyester, but in this case, ethylene is sourced from environmentally friendly products like cane sugar. Unlike all other types of polyester, the plant-based kind can biodegrade.

However, because it is much more expensive to produce than regular PET polyester, the clothing industry unfortunately uses it much less frequently.

PCDT Polyester

The chemical composition of PCDT polyester differs slightly from that of PET. PCDT is short for poly-cyclohexylene-dimethylene-terephthalate. (The use of an acronym by manufacturers is understandable.).

This type of polyester has more elasticity and great durability than PET but does not work as well for items like clothing. Instead, heavy-duty commercial items, curtains, and upholstery are the main uses for it.

Chemical Properties of Polyester

• Polyester cloth is resistant to alkaline substances at room temperature but is degraded at higher temperatures.
• Weaker acids don’t impose any effect on the polyester even at high temperatures, whereas strong acids impact it at high temperatures.
• If the polyester cloth is boiled It will be completely destroyed by HCL acid.
• Polyester cloth is resistant to organic solvents. When combined with trichloromethane, phenol has the power to disintegrate or destroy it.
• Oxidizing agents and chemical bleach cause little to no harm to polyester.
• It has the tendency to resist many chemicals, and thus it is easier to get rid of the stains on the polyester.

Physical Properties of Polyester

• Polyester is highly durable and strong. Its fiber and fabric can last for more than decades. Unexpectedly, it isn’t at all heavy; in fact, it’s one of the lightest fabrics on the market.
• It dries incredibly quickly.
• Another bonus point of polyester is its property to retain its original shape. The workhorse of gym clothing is polyester. Everything that is associated with active wear, such as t-shirts, jeggings, sports bras, and vests, contains a significant amount of polyester.
• Polyethylene Terephthalate or One of the most wrinkle- and abrasion-free fabrics is PET, a kind of polyester.
• Its dye-friendliness should never be disregarded. You can enjoy it in tonnes of colors and shades.
• A downside of polyester cloth is its inability to absorb water and sweat. You might feel uneasy from time to time.

Conclusion of Polyester Types and Applications

Different types of polyester include ethylene polyester/PET, PTCD, and plant-based polyester. These variations make use of various chemical configurations inside the polymers that make up the fabric. Polyester is combined with other fibers to create fabrics like polycotton.

The two main categories of polyester are listed above. The first is a polyester filament, and the second is polyester staple fiber. Polyester staple fiber Shirts, dresses, suits, and other items can be made from polyester by blending it with other fibers.