Properties of Polyester
Fabrics Properties of Polyester
· It resists wrinkling.
· It is easy to launder
· It dries quickly
· It’s resistant to stretching
Physical Properties
Shape and Appearance :
These fibers are generally round and uniform. The fiber is partially transparent and white to slightly off -white in colour.
Strength :
The PET polyesters are in general, stronger. Polyester is found in industrial uses and the highly durable fabrics.
Elasticity :
Polyester fibers do not have high degree of elasticity. In general polyester fiber is characterized as having a high degree of stretch resistance, which means that polyester fabrics are not likely to stretch out of shape too easily.
Resilience :
Polyester fibers have high degree of resilience. Not only does a polyester fabric resist wrinkling when dry, it also resists wrinkling when wet.
Drapability :
Fabrics of polyester filament have satisfactory draping quality. Polyester spun yarn is flexible and softer, thereby draping quality is improved.
Chemical Properties
Reaction to Alkalies :
At room temperature, polyesters has good resistance to weak alkalies and fair resistance to strong alkali. It reduces with increase in temperature and alkalies concentration.
Reaction to Acids :
Depending upon type, polyester has good resistance to mineral and organic acids. Highly concentrated solutions at high temperatures cause degradation. Eg: Sulphuric Acid.
Effects of Bleaches :
Fabrics of polyester may be safely bleached, because polyesters have good resistance to deterioration to household bleaches. If the polyester have optical brightener, bleaching is not necessary.
Effect of Heat:
Ironing should be done at low temperature. It gets sticky at 4400 F.
Effect of Light :
Polyester has good resistance to degradation by sunlight. Over prolonged use, gradual deterioration of fiber occurs.
Affinity for Dyes :
Polyesters are dyed with appropriate disperse, developed dyes at high temperatures producing a good range of shades and color fastness.
Resistance to Perspiration :
Polyesters has no loss of strength from continued contact with either acid or alkaline perspiration. Polyester
Blends :
Polyester cotton blend, polyester wool blend, polyester rayon, polyester silk blend, polyacetate blend, , polyester and nylon are some common blends.