6:13 AM
Fashion Trend Creator
Introduction
The estimated polyester fibre production, in 2007, was 34 million tons (approx)-39.7% of the whole textile fibre production-while, cotton production was 28 million tons (approx) and other cellulosic fibres, 2.8 million tons (approx). On a positive note, polyester fibres are estimated to grow by 5% annually, even as other textile fibres stagnate or decrease.
What is PET?
The development of fibres from polyester have come a full circle since scientists at ICI, UK, first produced dimethyl terephthalate from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Subsequent years saw the arrival of this new fibre in the market, chemically known as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Independent of this research, DuPont (US) and Hoechst (Germany) also developed this synthetic fibre. By today's standards, it is the most versatile synthetic fibre ever invented. It lends itself beautifully alone, as a textile fibre, or as blends with cotton, viscose, polynosic, linen, silk, wool or hemp. The chief characteristics of this fibre include:
- Good crease recovery
- Good shape retention
- High bulking capacity
- Good abrasion
- Tear resistance
- Good dye ability
- Acceptable moisture absorption
- No strength loss during wetting and other chemical treatments
- Resistance to microorganism, insects, mildew, etc.
Structure and modifications
Mainly manufacture by the direct reaction of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, polyester is devoid of functional groups.
Polyester modifications are made to alter the inner structure of the fibre. These modifications are physical, using special methods, or they contain copolymers or different chemical components, giving the desired end results like low pilling, dyeing behavior to anionic and cationic dyes, etc. An interesting modification is the process known as texturising, where the molten fibre is first stretched and then cooled. It gives the fabric a luxurious bulkiness, softness and extra shine.
