What is polyester fabric?

In almost every item that we buy today in the store, we see a greater or lesser percentage of polyester in the composition on the label. And some things are made from 100% fiber of this type. Therefore, it is not surprising that everyone has a natural question: what kind of fabric is polyester, how comfortable, practical, and safe is it. You will receive answers to all these questions, as well as a lot of other useful information about the polyester material, from this article.

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A bit of history and facts about production

Industrial production of polyester was established during the period of active technological development - the middle of the last century. It was at that time that the first models of a canvas made on the basis of oil, coal, acids and alcohols appeared, through their specific treatment and the addition of water and air. Based on this, it is already becoming clear what kind of fabric polyester is an artificial fabric.

In the future, the manufacturing technology was significantly improved, including manufacturers learned to combine such fibers with threads of natural fabrics. The result was not long in coming - it became possible mass rapid production of various types of this textile, used both for interior decoration and for sewing various types of clothing.

Important! To understand what polyester fabric is and how popular it is, one fact is enough: only in Germany in 2013 almost 200 thousand tons of fabric were produced.

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Manufacturing technology

Polyester is manufactured using thermal impact technology. The raw material is heated, due to which it melts. Spinning fibers are pulled from this mass, forced through special patterns with the thinnest holes.

Due to this, the structure of the shape and location of the fibers can be different - triangular, round, oval. This determines the density and texture of the canvas at the exit.

What kind of polyester fabric is the result? It could be:

• transparent thin lace fabric;
• shiny dense matter;
• hard fabric with a light cushioning effect and insulating properties.

Important! At the end of the processing, the fibers are dyed in the desired shade and structured. Therefore, we can see models of the canvas with an amazing wavy effect.

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Description

Most likely, now it’s become clearer to you, polyester - what kind of material it is, but we’ll add some more descriptive information to get the most clear picture.

With a tactile feel, this type of fabric is similar to cotton. In terms of properties - it even resembles silk in some ways, as it has an excellent cooling effect. Depending on the specific manufacturing technology, manufacturers invent real masterpieces with imitation of almost any natural fabric.

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Application

What is polyester fabric? Is this really a universal miracle canvas? Almost yes.

To date, from such material is produced:

• skirts;
• fashionable trouser suits;
• dresses;
• Jackets
• coat;
• linens;
• tulle curtains;
• shirts;
• blouses
• Networks
• ropes;
• Upholstery for upholstered furniture.

Important! 100% polyester - what kind of fabric is easy to understand. A striking example of such material is a veil, tulle, organza, which are used both for sewing clothes and for the manufacture of decorative textiles for the interior.

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Types of Polyester

To date, there are a lot of varieties of polyester. Therefore, the classification is carried out according to 2 principles:

• type of raw materials in the base;
• combination with other fibers.

The type of raw material in the basis

Polyester material by type of raw material is based on 2 types:

1. PET - made from ethylene extracted from petroleum. In the finished form, the canvases are characterized by high strength and shape stability.
2. PCDT - the question is relevant here, polyester - the fabric stretches or not, and the answer to it will be in the affirmative. High elasticity combined with elasticity provides high wear resistance and a wide range of applications. The basis of such a material is a condensate of terephthalic acid.

Fiber combination

To improve the initial properties of polyester, manufacturers use various technologies for combining with natural yarns.

Important! The percentage can be different, depending on the desired result and price category of the material.

Possible options:

1. Cotton polyester fabric. Due to this combination, the disadvantages of natural fiber are completely leveled. The following canvases are on sale with the following characteristics: excellent hygroscopicity, strength, pleasant to the touch, resistance to stretching, fading colors. Clothing made of cotton-polyester fabric in a percentage of 65/35 is very durable. This fact is very important for sewing bed linen, which remains non-slip, not subject to the loss of its size, shape, creasing. And after washing, such products dry twice as fast.
2. Viscose polyester. This type of material is also characterized by hygroscopicity, stability, resistance to color change and stretching. Such a cloth makes very comfortable clothes for work and leisure. The most popular option is the percentage viscose to polyester 30 to 70.
3. Wool plus polyester. Due to the inclusion of synthetic fibers in the delicate woolen fabrics, the problem of stretching, deformation of products is solved. In addition, they dry much faster, do not wear out so quickly. And what is still very important - the moth does not welcome such a fabric. In appearance, the combined polyester-wool composition is almost impossible to distinguish from natural fabric.
4. Polyester with polyamide. This is a purely synthetic material, which is characterized by high elasticity, elasticity, is not subject to wear and retains its color for very long. In structure, to the touch, this fabric resembles silk, due to which it is popular as the basis for the manufacture of underwear. Such material does not absorb moisture and can sometimes become electrified.
5. Spandex with polyester. This combination allows you to get extremely elastic, tear-resistant material. Therefore, it is used for the manufacture of hosiery, sports products, gloves. In this case, the answer to the question, polyester - stretches or not, will also be affirmative. Properties - breathability, low density, high elasticity.

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Features, advantages and disadvantages

If you collect all types of materials based on polyester and try to highlight the properties and advantages common to all fabrics, they will be as follows:

• perfectly smooth, pleasant to the touch surface;
• rich palette of colors, textures, textures;
• high wear resistance;
• a light weight;
• non-susceptibility to deformation, stretching, the appearance of creases;
• reasonable cost;
• fast drying speed;
• thermal insulation - some materials;
• hygroscopicity.

Important! Equally significant is the simple care of such clothes and any products. Polyester fabric can be washed at temperatures up to 40 ° C - both manually and in a washing machine. A thorough spin, ironing and drying is not required. Everything is smoothed and dries naturally.

The disadvantages include the fact that fully synthetic materials can produce static electricity, and dyeing is only superficial, since the dye does not penetrate the fiber structure.

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Stock footage

Now, having familiarized yourself with the information in this review, you have a full idea of ​​what polyester is, what they are used for and what gives the result. We hope that you were able to appreciate all its beneficial aspects and now marking on textile products about its inclusion in the composition will not alarm you.