Polyester
Polyester – The Synthetic Fiber Explained
Definition:
Polyester is a synthetic polymer made from petroleum-derived compounds, primarily ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. It's one of the most widely used manufactured materials in textiles (clothing, upholstery) and industrial applications.
Key Characteristics
- Chemical Composition: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - same material as plastic bottles
- Production Process: Melt polymerization creates long, stable polymer chains
- Molecular Structure: -[CO-C₆H₄-CO-O-CH₂-CH₂-O]- (repeating ester functional groups)
How Polyester is Made
- Raw Materials: Derived from petroleum or recycled PET
- Polymerization: Chemical reaction forms ester bonds (condensation reaction)
- Spinning: Melted polymer extruded through spinnerets to create fibers
- Drawing: Fibers stretched to align molecules for strength
Advantages
- Durable: Resistant to stretching/shrinking
- Quick-drying: Hydrophobic (repels water)
- Wrinkle-resistant: Maintains shape well
- Cost-effective: Cheaper than natural fibers
Disadvantages
- Non-breathable: Can trap heat/moisture
- Environmental impact: Non-biodegradable, sheds microplastics
- Static-prone: Can cling and generate static electricity
Common Uses
| Application | Examples |
|---|---|
| Textiles | Clothing (65% of global use), bedding, curtains |
| Packaging | Plastic bottles, food containers |
| Industrial | Tire cords, conveyor belts, safety belts |
| Home Goods | Carpets, upholstery, insulation |
Environmental Considerations
- Recyclability: PET can be recycled into new polyester (rPET)
- Microplastic pollution: Washing releases microfibers into waterways
- Bio-based alternatives: Emerging plant-derived polyesters (e.g., PTT)
Did You Know?
Polyester was first patented in 1941 by British chemists Whinfield and Dickson. Today it accounts for ~52% of global fiber production, surpassing cotton.
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