Polyester is a long chain polymer composed of at least 85% by weight of an ester and a dihydric alcohol and terephthalic acid. It has good strength and resilience but is stiff and hard to handle. Polyester is hydrophobic, retains its shape after washing, and is easy to wash and dry. It is used for clothing, suits, ropes, and plastic bottles due to its desirable properties including strength, durability, and resistance to wrinkling, insects, and perspiration.

1. Unit 12
Prepared by –
Biniya Arakkal
Textile Science Faculty
Institute of Design & Technology
Surat

2.  Polyester – term derives from poly meaning
many and ester which is a basic organic
chemical.
 Polyester is a long chain polymers,
chemically composed of at least 85% by
weight of an ester and a dihydric alcohol
and a terephthalic acid.
 Reaction of alcohol with carboxylic acid
results in the formation of esters.

3.  Strength – good tenacity and good resistance
to abrasion.
 Elasticity – do not have high degree of
elasticity.They are stiff and are hard handle.
 Resilience- excellent resilience. Resist
wrinkles in dry as well as wet condition.
 Drapability – satisfactory draping qualities.
 Absorbency- hydrophobic. Best for water
repellent purposes.

4.  Heat conductivity- poor heat conductivity
and low heat resistance.
 Cleanliness andWashability – wash and dry
easily and have excellent wash and wear
characteristics.
 Reaction to bleaches – they are white and
thus doesn’t require to bleach. If they develop
stain, they can be bleached with chlorine or
oxidizing bleaches.

5.  Resistance to insect- good resistance.
 Reaction to alkalis- good resistance to weak
alkalis and fair resistance to strong.
 Reaction to acid- good resistance to acid.
 Affinity for dyes- polyester dyed with
appropriate dyes produces good shade with
excellent wash and light fastness.
 Resistance to perspiration – very resist. Do
not loose strength.

6.  Shrinkage – polyester retain shape after wash
and they don’t shrink.
 Effect of heat – polyester is thermoplastic.
They may be heated to set stability and
permanent pleates.
 Effect of light – good resistance to sunlight.
 Resistance to mildew – excellent resisance
and do not get stained or get weakened.

7.  Very popular for clothing.
 For suits.
 Due to its strength and tenacity polyester is
used to make ropes.
 Plastic bottles or PET bottles.

8.  Really easily and time efficient.
 Machine washed and dried. Fabric softener
can be used.
 Dry the fabric @ low temperature.
 Doesn't require ironing.
 Can be dry cleaned too.

9.  Polyester fibers are made up of ester
molecules.
 Polyester is used for various applications due
to desirable characteristics.
 Good strength and durability.
 Good resistant to wrinkling, insects attacks
and perspiration.
 Suitable for winter apparel according to the
construction.

16. Wool Polyester