Polyester - properties and history of the fabric

Now in stores you can choose any fabric, but it is not always possible to make the right choice, and for this you need to know the properties and structure of the fabric in order to correctly combine them with the chosen style. Let's take a look at a fabric called polyester. You have probably heard about it more than once or read on the label of the purchased item that it is made of polyester. Yes, indeed, now polyester is very popular.

What are the properties of the fabric?
Polyester is a type of synthetic fabric made from polyester fibers.

In terms of its characteristics, polyester is partially similar to cotton, and in appearance it resembles either thin woolen fabric, or cotton, and in some cases even chiffon.

If the fabric is 100% polyester, then it is quite wear-resistant, very durable, lightweight, almost does not wrinkle (you can not iron it after washing), keeps its shape well. The fabric is easy to wash and dries quickly. Polyester can be used to make curtains and drapes in which draperies are provided. However, it is used when sewing a variety of clothes.

The fabric has a peculiarity - it is not breathable enough, so it is not always comfortable as summer clothes. If you really like the fabric, then choose the style of the dress with more open parts (neckline, slits, etc.). Despite this shortcoming, you can see a lot of dresses, blouses and even polyester underwear.

The fabric is also used for coats, jackets, raincoats. In addition, women's stockings and tracksuits are made of polyester. All of these products can be made from fabrics in which the polyester content is in a different percentage with other types of fibers.

Polyester products tolerate ultraviolet radiation well, are not susceptible to damage from moths and other pests, and are well washed from stains. And therefore, they will last a long time and at the same time will not lose the brightness of the color gamut and their decent appearance.

History of polyester

Like many other synthetic materials, polyester appeared in the 30-40s of the 20th century. They began to make fabrics for packing bags, adhesive tape from it. In the late 40s, polyester became widely used in various industries. Polyester appeared in the USSR in 1949. Its mass production began only in the 60s.

Polyester production

Polyester fibers, from which polyester is made, are obtained by refining petroleum. First, polystyrene is isolated from oil or gas, and after several more chemical transformations, polyester is obtained.

The initial stages of production are associated with the preliminary processing of raw materials, which consists of purification and chemical conversion into polymer compounds. For the manufacture of synthetic fibers, a softened polymer (melt) is first obtained, from which polyester fibers and threads are formed. The preparation of the melt takes place in several stages, this approach leads to the creation of the uniformity of the melt, the removal of various mechanical impurities, which contributes to the creation of the best properties of the filaments.

After all these operations, the spinning of the filaments follows, which consists in the metered forcing of the spinning melt through the openings of the spinnerets, the solidification of the flowing streams and the winding of the resulting filaments on special devices. But that is not all. The spun yarns cannot be used to make textiles. Further, additional finishing is carried out. This includes washing the threads, bleaching, dyeing in various colors and a number of other operations that increase the strength of the threads, slip, softness, reduce surface adhesion, electrification, etc.

Then, by interweaving the main and transverse fibers, a web of fabric is produced.

The variety of fiber properties is achieved by introducing various changes in the technological process. Fibers of wool, viscose and other types of fibers can be added to polyester. Therefore, the material can be denser or thinner, smoother, glossy or matte, etc.

Polyester care

Polyester is very easy to care for, but here are a few rules that should be followed:

1. Before washing, examine the inner label of the product and take into account all the features recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Most often polyester can be machine washed, but sometimes only hand wash may be indicated on the label. Then make a solution of warm water and washing powder, keeping in mind that the water should not be too hot, because all polyester fibers can deform when exposed to high temperatures. Typically, labels indicate the wash temperature at 40 ° C. If you wash in a machine, then only on a delicate cycle.

3. Polyester garments must not be bleached.

4. As already mentioned, after washing, polyester products do not need to be ironed. They can be well straightened on a hanger and left to dry. However, if you still need to iron, then do not use a too hot iron.

Polyester products will serve and delight you for a long time.

Things should not be neglected because of their unnatural origin. Many of these products are pleasant to the touch, appearance, do not electrify, and modern production technologies are such that these fabrics are completely safe for health. Therefore, they can be used when sewing many models of clothing. Most importantly, when choosing a fabric, take into account its properties and features of your model.