Physical And Chemical Properties Of Polyester Fiber

The physical and chemical properties of polyester fiber are important to know because it is a very important man-made fiber among all other synthetic fibers. When it produces with a long-chain synthetic polymer with ester. Chiefly, polyester is produced by the melt-spinning process. Additionally, it is the most commonly used synthetic fiber among other synthetic fibers. In the first place, DuPont introduced its Dacron polyester brand in 1951, but the material itself was patented earlier in 1941. All over, the use of polyester fabrics increases day by day. Polyester has some physical and chemical properties in a similar fashion, which are important to know.

Physical Properties of Polyester Fiber

The polyester fiber has good elasticity, shape retention, wrinkle resistance, excellent wash and wear performance, as well as durability in its physical properties. As a result, in all kinds of apparel fabrics, the use of polyester fiber has increased. At the same time, polyester fiber is poor in moisture absorption, its clothing makes the wearer feel hot and sticky; it also produces static electricity easily, which reflects in clothing absorbing dust and clinging to the body, which in fact has poor comfort. Moreover, polyester has excellent performance in the dyeing process.

Like cotton or other textile fiber, furthermore, polyester fiber consists of some important physical properties. The following are the important physical properties of polyester:

1. Tenacity: The tenacity of polyester fiber is 5–7 g/den
2. Elongation at break: Polyester fiber elongation at break is 15 – 30%
3. Elastic modulus: Its elastic modulus is 90
4. Elasticity: It has good elasticity
5. Moisture Regain (MR%): Polyester fiber moisture regain is 0.40%
6. Specific Gravity: Specific gravity of polyester fiber is 1.38
7. Melting point: Its melting point is 250 °C.
8. Volumetric Swelling: It has no volumetric swelling properties
9. Ability to protest friction: Polyester fiber has an excellent ability to protect against friction characteristics
10. Color: Polyester fiber is white
11. Light reflection ability: Light reflection ability of polyester fiber is better than that of other fibers.
12. Luster: Polyester fiber has a bright luster, which attracts people to buy it.

Chemical Properties of Polyester Fiber

The following are the various types of chemical properties of polyester fiber:

1. Acids: Good resistance to acids in cold conditions. But polyester degrades by H2SO4 at high temperatures.
2. Basic: Good resistance to basic in cold conditions, but strong NaOH dissolves polyester in boiling.
3. Effect of bleaching: Polyester is not affected by the bleaching process.
4. Organic solvent: Organic solvent does not affect polyester fiber.
5. Protection ability against mildew: Polyester fiber has good protection ability against mildew.
6. Protection ability against insects: This fiber has good protection ability against mildew.
7. Dyes: Polyester could be dyed with dispersed azoic color and some pigments.
8. Solvents for polyester: Following are the solvents of polyester:
   1. Chlorinated hydrocarbon.
   2. F3COOH
   3. Phenol (in hot condition)

   So, during the processing of polyester, we have to consider its physical and chemical properties. The fiber is manufactured in different shapes and sizes for use for specific purposes. Last not least, In a polyester manufacturing unit, the management should follow all compliance issues regarding workplace safety.

   In the modern age, the use of polyester fiber has significantly increased due to its demand for different technical purposes. Although it has various negative impacts on the environment, it is cheap in price, which means it’s in high demand. The researcher has invented different uses of polyester fiber in different households as well as in regular life. So, when we select polyester fiber products, we have to be concerned about environmental safety for the next generation.

   Engr. Mohammad Zillane Patwary

   I'm a textile engineer who is passionate about writing about the textile industry. With a B.Sc. in Textile Engineering, I've gained extensive knowledge about textile manufacturing and sustainable practices. My focus revolves around refining manufacturing processes, maintaining product quality, and staying updated on the latest textile technology advancements. If you're interested in collaborating on articles or have any pieces you'd like to submit, let's connect and discuss further!