From clothing and home furnishings to tires and sports gear, polyester is one of the world\u2019s most popular textiles and is used in thousands of different consumer and industrial applications. But what is polyester? Since it is such a big part of our everyday lives, it makes sense that we understand how polyester is made, as well as its pros and cons.<\/p>\n
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Polyester is a general term for any fabric or textile made using polyester yarns or fibers. It\u2019s made by mixing ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, which means that polyester is a plastic. It is typically derived from petroleum, but polyester can also be made from recycled plastic, agricultural crops, or waste.<\/p>\n
Polyester was invented in 1941 by British chemists John Rex Whinfield and James Tennant Dickson, and it became popular in the 1970s, especially in that decade\u2019s fashions. Polyester\u2019s sleek and shiny look fit in perfectly with the disco ensembles that were all the rage during that time.<\/p>\n
But as you read on, you\u2019ll learn that polyester has so many other uses aside from clothing.<\/p>\n
Polyethylene Terephthalate<\/strong><\/p>\n Also knows as PET, this is the most common type of polyester, mainly because its durable and affordable.<\/p>\n Plant-Based Polyester <\/strong><\/p>\n Made with bio alternatives to petroleum, including plants like sugar cane or bio-waste, as well as waste that mainly includes organic materials, such as food scraps or sawdust. As a result, it\u2019s more environmentally sustainable than other types of polyester.<\/p>\n PCDT Polyester<\/strong><\/p>\n While it is similar to PET, its chemical structure is different. PCDT polyester is less popular but it is often more elastic and durable, which makes it ideal for heavy-duty applications like curtains or upholstery.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not biodegradable: <\/strong>While plastic can be recycled, it\u2019s not biodegradable. For those who want to only use eco-friendly material, this can be a deal breaker.<\/p>\n It retains heat: <\/strong>\u00a0While polyester is a great fabric for the colder months, it is not optimal in warmer weather because of its ability to retain heat. It could also be an uncomfortable for people with sensitive skin or people who simply \u201crun hot.\u201d<\/p>\n It can attract odor: <\/strong>Due to polyester\u2019s penchant for retaining heat, polyester develops unpleasant odors faster than natural fibers like cotton.<\/p>\n It\u2019s prone to static: <\/strong>Polyester doesn\u2019t absorb moisture as well as natural fibers, making it more prone to static.<\/p>\n There\u2019s simply no shortage of things that can be made with polyester. Some of its most common uses include:<\/p>\nWhat is polyester\u2019s strengths?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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What is polyester\u2019s drawbacks?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What is polyester used for?<\/strong><\/h3>\n