Origin

Polyester was first created by the manufacturer DuPoint in the year 1929 by the researcher Wallace Carothers. Due to facing issues with this new fibre DuPoint held off on releasing this fibre and instead focused on Nylon. In the 1940s researchers who worked at the Imperial Chemical Industries worked on polyester until they were able to come up with a usable version of the fibre. DuPoint then bought the rights to the new version of polyester in the year 1945 and started producing what is known as Dacron Polyester in the year 1953.

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Preparation

 

The first step to creating Polyester is known as polymerisation. This is when the chemicals dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol are mixed along with a catalyst in order to create a reaction. This is normally done at a temperature around 150 degrees Celsius. Once the initial reaction has taken place it is mixed with terephthalic acid and the temperature is raised again to a temperature of around 280 degrees Celsius. After this reaction is completed the newly formed substance known as polyester is released through a slot to create long ribbons of polyester.

After polymerisation occurs the long melted ribbons are left to cool until they become brittle. After this it is cut into very small chunks and left to finish drying.

The polymer chips are then melted at temperatures around 500 degrees Celsius, this forms a solution with the consistency of syrup. The solution is then put through a mould like machine called a spinneret. This machine forces the solution into the shape of a single strand.

The next step is known as drawing the fibre. This is when the fibres are stretched so that the molecules within will form a single chain to increase the strength and resiliency. Now when the fibres dry for the second time they will no longer be brittle and instead be solid.

The final step is to wind the fibres onto a bobbin ready to be produced into fabrics.

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Physical Properties Of Fibres

Polyester is very well known as being a strong and resilient fibre. It is a hydrophobic fibre and has low absorbency so will dry extremely quickly. Due to this it can be uncomfortable to wear in warm places.

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Aesthetic Properties Of Fibres

Polyester does not stretch or shrink. It is also very easy to wash and dry and can easily handle continuous washing. It is also very unlikely to crease so almost never needs ironed. It is not affected by bleaching or acids due to its strength.

Unfortunately due to how strong the fibres are when the fabric is cut into short lengths is prone to pilling. Polyester when burnt releases a strong chemical smell and the residue can cause severe burns on this skin so is not commonly used on its own but is instead mixed with other fibres or treated with chemicals to make it flame resistant.

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References

Elizabeth D. Lowe. (2018). Polyester. Available: https://fashion-history.lovetoknow.com/fabrics-fibers/polyester. Last accessed 27/11/18.

What is Polyester. (2018). What is Polyester. Available: http://www.whatispolyester.com/history.html. Last accessed 27/11/18.

what is polyester. (2018). What is Polyester – Manufacturing of Polyester. Available: http://www.whatispolyester.com/manufacturing.html. Last accessed 27/11/18.

Made How. (2018). Polyester. Available: http://www.madehow.com/Volume-2/Polyester.html. Last accessed 27/11/18.

Textile fashion study . (2012). Polyester – Physical and Chemical Properties of Polyester. Available: http://textilefashionstudy.com/polyester-physical-and-chemical-properties-of-polyester/. Last accessed 27/11/18.

Marjhon Sheikhi. (2015). Researcher improves polyester fabric dyeability . Available: https://en.mehrnews.com/news/108927/Researcher-improves-polyester-fabric-dyeability. Last accessed 27/11/18.

Textile Flowchart . (2017). Flow Chart of Polyester Fiber Production . Available: http://www.textileflowchart.com/2015/08/flow-chart-of-polyester-fiber-production.html. Last accessed 27/11/18