Polyester fabrics – find manufacturers and suppliers

Polyester fabric

Polyesters are synthetic plastics (polymers) with ester functions, which also occur in small quantities in nature. These include polycarbonates, thermoplastic polyethylneterephalates and unsaturated polyester resins. The latter become thermosets through curing. If polyesters are arranged in liquid crystalline polymer chains, high-performance plastics are produced. Since polyesters have good properties such as resistance and durability, they are also used to produce textiles.

The production of polyester fibres:

These are produced in the melt spinning process. The polyester melt is pressed through spinnerets. The material is then hardened and spun.

The most common trade names and use of polyester fibres and fabrics

Polyester is used to make fleece fabrics, fabrics and fibres. The main brand names are Trevira, Diolen, Dacron, Sorona, Terylene, Grisuten and Tritan. Biodegradable polyester fibres are produced from lactic acid and used as surgical suture material.

Properties of polyester

Polyester fabric is mainly used for cushion and blanket fillings. These are mainly cushions for allergy sufferers, cuddly cushions, neck support pillows, head cushions, sofa cushions, decorative cushions or neck pillows. Plaids, bedspreads, fur blankets and fleece blankets are generally popular because of their good compatibility. Bed linen made of microfibre is very easy to care for. Polyester fabric is often used for outdoor clothing because it is waterproof.

Properties of polyester fabrics:

Compared to cotton, polyester has the great advantage of easy care. Furthermore, polyester has a positive effect on the sleeping climate. The fabric is easy to wash and dries very quickly. Wetness does not penetrate easily. The material stores heat very well. Mites keep away from this material. Therefore, bed linen made of polyester is more hygienic than other bedding. Mixed fabrics, such as polyester-cotton, combine the advantages of both materials. Cotton has the great advantage that it is extremely breathable. The mixed fabric can be washed at 60 degrees.

The fabric is very light and yet hard-wearing. Clothing made of polyester fabrics keeps its shape very well and does not wrinkle. Polyester fabric is very tear-resistant and hard-wearing.

Some tips

Any type of heavy duty detergent is suitable. Delicate detergent should be used for coloured polyester fabric. The big disadvantage of polyester fabric is that the fabric quickly becomes statically charged. Therefore the use of fabric softener is recommended. Liquid detergents are more suitable for care.

Warning: Synthetic fibres must never be put in the dryer as they will shrink due to the high temperatures!

Ironing is basically possible, but only at low temperatures. Since synthetic fibres melt or stick at higher temperatures. Here a look at the label is helpful. Many irons nowadays have the "polyester" adjustment option. Then of course this can also be used.

Greyed synthetic fibres cannot be lightened with conventional bleaching agents. In this case, a visit to the cleaning department is unavoidable.

Polyester fabrics cannot be self-dyed, as the colour only remains on the surface and does not penetrate deep into the fabric. However, it is possible to apply patterns yourself using the screen printing process.

If the fabric is still a little wrinkled after washing, it helps to wash it again, strip it out and hang it up. The material will look like freshly ironed.

Are polyester fabrics recommended?

It depends on the use. For bed linen and outdoor clothing in any case. For underwear, cotton or a cotton-blended fabric is better. The easy care, shape retention and easy compatibility speak for this material. It is practical that the fabric does not crease. However, the fabric does not tolerate hot temperatures very well. Dryers and irons should therefore be used with caution.

For use as outdoor clothing, it is particularly important to note that heat is stored very well. The fact that no water can penetrate is very helpful for ski suits, for example. Shoes made of Gore-Tex are often used for hiking because they are water-repellent, dimensionally stable and comfortable. Bed linen made of polyester fabric is chosen for its excellent anti-allergic properties.