Polyester is a type of artificial (synthetic) fiber that is often used today. It is mostly used in the textile field. It can also be explained in the category of polymers or specifically as condensation polymers containing ester functional groups in their main bonds. Although it is found in nature, it has a wide range of synthetic polyesters including all polyethylene terephthalate and polycarbonate in general.
The word polyester is actually the equivalent of the fabric made of fiber. Its fibers are generally cotton fibers; It is used in the production of better and special fabrics/clothes. It can also be used in the production of many fabrics such as taffeta, organza and satin by mixing with different fibers. It is also very common to use alone.
Mixing with cotton fiber is the most preferred method. It can also be used together with fibers such as wool, acrylic, silk, viscose and linen. trade names; It is known as Terylene, Trevira in England, Dacron in the USA, Diolen in Germany and Perylene in Turkey. It is easy to manufacture and at the same time has a structure very close to natural fibers. It is very similar to cotton fiber, with the increasing need for cotton, the use of polyester fibers has also increased. The chemical structure of polyester produced by the condensation of dialcohol and dicarboxylic acids can be examined in 3 groups.
1. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
2. Poly-1.4 cyclohexyl-dimethylene-terephthalate (PCDT),
3. Modified polyester.
Production of Polyester Fibers (PES)
PET polyester fibers are produced by two different methods. First, the starting material is taken from ethylene glycol and dimethylterephthalate. In the other method, the starting material is taken from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. The raw material is polymerized, taken after cooling and produced by cutting into small modules. The polymer, which melts at 260 °C, is formed into filaments by a soft spinning system. Tensile-stretching process is applied to these filaments to increase their resistance.
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Physical Properties
1. Width Section and Longitudinal View: It appears as a straight line when viewed with a microscope. Its cross-section is round in shape.
2. Color and Luster: Polyester fibers are mostly produced in white. Although it is glossy, it can also be produced as semi-matt and matte if necessary.
3. Thinness and Length: It can be produced in the desired length. It can also be preferred as filament or staple (staple) depending on the purpose of use.
4. Resistance: The way of production is the most important factor affecting the resistance of polyester. The resistance of polyester fibers in filament form is between 4-7 gr/denier.
5. Moisture Absorption Feature: It is a fiber with a very low moisture absorption rate. This rate varies between 0.2-0.8%.
6. Friction Resistance: Their resistance to friction is quite high. However, pilling problem may occur for PES fabrics.
7. Elasticity and Springing Feature: These are fibers with good stretching abilities. Their springing ability is even better. While the elongation quantities of polyester fibers produced as filaments are between 15-30%, the elongation quantities of staple fibers are between 30-50%.
8. Volumetric Density: Particular weights are at the rate of 1.38 gr/cm³.
Chemical Properties
1. Removal Rate from Chemical Molecules: It is highly resistant to acidic substances, solvents used for dry cleaning and bleaches. However, it will be damaged in contact with strong alkalis.
2. Resistance to Environmental Factors: Its resistance to sunlight is higher than other synthetic fibers. For this reason, it is a good option as a curtain fabric. However, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fiber damage. Various pests cannot easily cause any damage to the fibers.
3. Electrification Feature: Since its conductivity is very low, it is charged with static electricity.
4. Resistance to Heat: Its melting points are 250°C. Since polyester products do not crease easily, it is better to iron them at low temperatures and in a short time. The recommended temperature for ironing is 140 °C.
5. Combustion Feature: In case of contact with flammable materials, it melts by attracting the flame. It leaves behind a chemical smell and black soot. The ash-turned state is cream-colored, bead-shaped and hard.
Usage Areas of Polyester Fiber
It has a very common use besides the clothing field. It can be used purely or mixed with various fibers.
Textile: It is often used for suits, outerwear.
Home Textile: It has many different uses such as bed and tablecloths, pillows, curtain fabrics and carpets.
Industrial Uses: It is widely used as fishing net, automobile tires, rope, sewing thread and sail cloth.
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