What is Polyester fiber?
Polyester is a synthetic fiber that’s typically attained from petroleum. This fiber is one of the world’s most popular filament fibers and it is used in thousands of different consumer and manufactured products. Ethylene polyester is the most produced form of polyester fiber. Depiction of polyester according to F.T.C-
Polyester filament are chemically formulated of at least 85% by wt. of an ester of a substituted aromatic carboxylic acid, including but not confined to substituted Terephthalate units and Para substituted hydroxyl benzoate units.
Polyethylene Terephthalate, the repeating unit of the polyester polymer with a degree of polymerization of 115-140 units (i.e. n= 115-140).
Polyester fiber manufacturing process:
Step-1: Creating a Monomer
The procedure of creating polyester filament begins with the reaction of ethylene glycol with dimethyl terephthalate at extensive heat. This composition results in a monomer.
Step-2: Creating a polymer
Further addition of dimethyl terephthalate with the resulting monomer to create a polymer.
Step -3: Extruding
This molten polyester polymer is extruded from the reaction chamber in long stripes and these stripes are allowed to cool and dry and then they are broken apart into small pieces.
Step-4: Spinning
Polyester basically go through melt spinning system. The resulting chips are then melted again to create a honey like substance which is extruded through spinneret to create fibers. The fibers are then transferred to winding machine and produce a sliver that looks like noodles. Then the slivers are taken to the creel stage. This creel is the first stage of drawing section. Into the roller of drawing machine, the slivers are drafted in several steps by using chemicals like lubricant and titanium dioxide. Then we get 1.4 denier primary fiber. This primary fiber automatically runs into the dryer to get moisture free smooth fiber. Moisture free primary fiber automatically transfers to the cutting machine and cut it into desired length as per the requirement of the buyer. After cutting we get the moisture free smooth polyester staple fibers.
Flow Chart Of Melt Spinning System
Reaction In The Polymerization Of PET Polyester:
Characteristics Of Polyester Fiber:
1. Fibers are extremely strong.
2. Very durable.
3. Resistant to most chemicals.
4. Stretching and shrinking.
5. Wrinkle resistant.
6. Mildew and abrasion resistant.
7. Hydrophobic in nature.
8. Quick drying.
9. Easily washed and dried.
10. Retains its shape
11. Good for making outdoor clothing for harsh climates.
End Usage Of Polyester Fiber:
Polyester fiber is used alone or blended with wool, cotton, flax and other fibers provides-
1. An extensive range of hard-wearing.
2. Comfortable.
3. Easily looked after garments.
4. High dimensional stability.
5. Wrinkle resistance.
Use of polyester in apparel-
1. Reduces production costs but it also decreases the comfort ability of apparel.
Use of polyester also covers-
1. Curtains.
2. Floor coverage.
3. Laundry equipment.
4. Conveyor belt.
5. Ropes.
6. Net.
7. Sail cloth.
8. Sewing thread.
9. Electrical insulation.
While some forms of polyester are biodegradable, most of them are not biodegradable and polyester production and use contribute to pollution around the world.
