Polyester can be found as part of almost any thing present in the wardrobe of every person. This material has long been firmly established in our lives. Despite its synthetic origin, high-quality polyester is distinguished by safety, a variety of shades, a high level of practicality and affordable cost. But does he really have only positive qualities? To answer this question, it is worth understanding what kind of fabric is polyester. The pros and cons of the material and its scope are discussed in our article.
Production Features
Polyester production technology was invented in the 40s of the last century. The material was obtained on the basis of products of oil, gas, coal, acids, alcohol with the addition of air and water.
The complex process of polyester production includes several main stages:
- Isolation of the main components of raw materials necessary for the production of material.
- Getting melt, which is a liquid polyester base.
- Multi-level cleaning.
- Obtaining fibers by passing a liquid solution through small holes.
- Further finishing them to give the threads the necessary qualities.
- Direct production of material.
The variety of properties of polyester fiber is achieved by introducing various changes in the process of its production. Therefore, it is worth considering the main pros and cons of polyester, depending on its further use.
Material Description
Polyester is produced both in pure form and with the addition of cotton, wool, viscose and other fibers. For this reason, the final material can dramatically differ in appearance and to the touch. Its surface can be matte or shiny, it can have both a dense and thin structure.
In its characteristics, polyester is similar to cotton, and in appearance it is similar to wool. A high-quality sample of the material does not leave marks on the skin when worn, does not have any smell, and does not fade during washing.
This synthetic material at a temperature of 40 degrees can change shape, but this property is both positive and negative. Thanks to this, the material is ideal for creating the necessary folds on the product. If you do not take this property into account when ironing, you can inadvertently deform the fabric, which will spoil the general appearance of the thing.
Also, this quality should be taken into account when washing the material. Useful quality of fabric - polyester is perfectly washed from dirt even in cool water.
Due to these properties, the material is universally applicable. It is used equally for sewing clothes, shoes, lining, and for the production of blankets, carpets, bags, backpacks.
Fabric benefits
Polyester has most of the qualities that consumers value so much. But in its pure form, the material is used extremely rarely, since its combination with other fibers makes it possible to obtain better products.
The main advantages of polyester:
- Wear resistant.
- Easy to care.
- It does not fade.
- It does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.
- Doesn't roll.
- It dries quickly.
- Keeps shape with prolonged use.
- Keeps warm.
- Does not get wet.
- It does not cause allergies.
- In contact with the skin creates a pleasant sensation.
- Resistant to dirt and grease.
- Easy to paint, so it has a diverse selection of shades.
- Does not absorb odors.
- Affordable cost.
disadvantages
Like any other material, polyester has not only advantages, but also disadvantages. But this mainly applies only to 100% polyester fiber.
The main disadvantages:
- The increased rigidity.
- The ability to electrify.
- Not bleachable.
- Too dense structure for hot weather.
- Highly flammable.
Despite the existing shortcomings of polyester, it does not lose its relevance, as with its combination with other fibers all the disadvantages are minimized.
Polyester Clothing
This material is especially popular in the manufacture of clothing. This is due to the fact that the polyester is easy to color, and the colors in this case are bright and varied. In addition, synthetic fibers retain their shape and are resistant to dirt, which makes them ideal for sewing everyday items.
The use of polyester in clothing allowed it to be made available to a wide range of consumers, since its prices are much lower than the cost of natural materials. Synthetic fiber items do not require special care. Subject to the manufacturer's recommendations, they retain their qualities and properties for a long time. Polyester is used for sewing dresses, suits, skirts, t-shirts, underwear, hosiery, lining.
The advantages of things from this material:
- In appearance they are not inferior to natural products.
- Differ in a variety of shades.
- Do not lose their properties under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, frost and moisture.
- Do not need special care.
- Resistant to pollution.
The disadvantages of polyester products include the following:
- The low level of breathability, so in hot weather it is better not to use them.
- high temperature washing and bleaching lead to deformation of the products, so it is recommended that you carefully study the manufacturer's recommendations on the label.
Based on the pros and cons of polyester clothing, we can conclude that this material is universal in use. Despite its shortcomings, its use in sewing things helps to diversify the range of goods and reduce their cost.
Pros and cons of polyester thermal underwear
Thermal underwear is a body clothing that maintains the normal temperature of the body and helps to remove moisture in the upper layers of clothing.
For the production of thermal underwear, wool and polyester are often used. Unlike natural material, synthetic fiber allows you to maintain the necessary body temperature not only in winter but also in summer. This is achieved due to the fact that polyester with special additives is able not only to retain heat, but also to cool the skin from overheating during the heat.
This quality of material is especially relevant for professional athletes who experience physical activity constantly and in any weather. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of polyester when using material for underwear.
The main advantages include:
- Maintaining a comfortable body temperature.
- Easy to wash.
- It dries quickly.
- It has increased wear resistance and durability.
- Does not lose shape with prolonged use.
- Doesn't roll.
Synthetic fiber underwear also has some disadvantages. They are desirable to consider when buying these products.
Disadvantages:
- It is electrified, so regular use of an antistatic agent is necessary.
- It requires daily washing, as it retains the smell of sweat.
Polyester Shoes
Shoe manufacturers did not ignore this material. Thanks to the use of polyester in this industry, it has become possible to significantly increase the wear resistance and durability of products. Often it is used when sewing sports shoes, since it is subjected to increased functional loads.
In addition, the material does not absorb moisture, is resistant to wear and does not need special care. But these qualities are especially important for shoes.
But before you finally make a choice, consider the main pros and cons of polyester shoes.
Main advantages;
- Resistance to temperature changes.
- Preservation of form and color.
- Moisture resistant.
- Durability.
- Strength.
- Affordable cost.
- The ability to manufacture any model.
The disadvantages of polyester shoes include low breathability, although this problem can be solved by choosing more open models or using products in the cool season.
Application when tailoring outerwear
In this case, polyester is used in three different versions: for the top of the product, the lining and the filler-insulation. This versatility of application allowed manufacturers to significantly improve the quality of outerwear, reduce its specific gravity, increase heat saving and reduce cost.
The most popular filler for outerwear based on polyester is holofiber. This material is lightweight, porous structure and high heat transfer. It is important that it retains its properties and shape during washing, as well as long-term use.
Most often in the store you can find demi-season and winter jackets made of polyester. The pros and cons of these products should be studied in detail, so that when buying a person is confident in their choice.
Benefits:
- Ease.
- Strength.
- Easy to care.
- Preservation of its properties, if the street is snow, rain, wind, frost.
- UV resistant.
- Heat retention.
- Low crease rate (not creasing).
- Abrasion resistance.
- Immune to organic solvents.
The disadvantages of outerwear based on polyester include the fact that when washing over 40 degrees, products lose their shape and acquire an unsightly appearance. Therefore, the main condition for the durability of polyester products is compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations for care.
Polyester Blankets
In the production of blankets and pillows, polyester is used as a filler for products. This allows you to give them lightness, improves heat transfer and significantly extends the service life. In addition, blankets and pillows made of polyester are excellent for transportation, so they can be used in hiking trips, long trips, as they do not take up much space and do not burden the load.
The advantages of a blanket based on polyester include:
- Ease.
- High heat dissipation.
- Parasites do not start.
- Durability.
- Minimal care.
- It does not cause allergies.
- Does not absorb odors.
- It has high elasticity.
The disadvantage of these products is the low percentage of moisture absorption. In addition, for some people, they will help to seem too warm.
Based on the pros and cons of polyester blankets, it can be judged that this synthetic material is universal. His invention made it possible to greatly improve the quality of these products and reduce their cost.
Advantages and disadvantages of carpets
Polyester is also used in carpet production. This made it possible to significantly expand the range of products offered and increase its service life.
The main advantages:
- Strength.
- A variety of colors.
- Presentable appearance.
- Resistant to stains.
- Excellent value for money and quality.
The disadvantages include the impossibility of using bleaching agents, but this problem can be solved by choosing darker shades of the coating.
Having studied the pros and cons of polyester carpets, we can safely say that these products have a long service life without losing their qualities, subject to all recommendations for care.
Reviews
The opinions of people about polyester are very diverse. Some insist on its practicality and universality of application, others express dissatisfaction with the low level of breathability. In any case, numerous reviews of this material prove that it has firmly entered our lives.
Therefore, having studied the pros and cons of things made of polyester, everyone can decide for themselves whether they are suitable for him or not.