What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Polyester Fiber?

With advancements in science, synthetic fibers have become a dominant fiber category in the market. There is a whole class of synthetic fiber materials that offer the same quality as natural fiber at a significantly lower price. In many cases, synthetic fibers prove to be more long-lasting than natural fibers. The most in-demand synthetic fibers are polyester, nylon, rayon, and spandex.

The main difference between natural and synthetic fibers is that synthetic fibers are made from chemical compounds, while natural fibers are derived from plants and animals.

Polyester Fiber: What Is it?

Polyester is one of the most popular synthetic fibers derived from petroleum-based chemicals. The chemical polymer is called PET (Polyethylene terephthalate). Polyester was invented at the beginning of the 1900s but was not used in textiles. However, by the 1950s, polyester had become a widely used fabric. Poyester's chemical structure consists of long chains of synthetic polymers. It is a versatile fabric used to make upholstery, apparel and carpets.

Polyester stands out as a clothing fabric because it stays wrinkle-free for a long time and does not need to be ironed every time you wear it.

How is Polyester Manufactured?

Polyester was first developed in the 1940s by British researchers who discovered that a chemical interaction combining petroleum, water, and air could produce a long-lasting plastic polymer.

Polyester fiber is specifically manufactured from polyethylene terephthalate (PET); if this sounds familiar, it's most likely because PET is the most prevalent material used in single-use plastic water bottles.

These molecules can be converted into PET in a few simple steps. Here is a greatly simplified overview:

1. The plastic pellets (seen at the top of this post) are first formed through a chemical process that requires tremendous heat and pressure.

2. The plastic is extruded using fine gear to produce long plastic fibers.

3. These threads are spun together to form polyester yarn/thread, either mixed or left intact.

4. The polyester is most commonly knitted (or woven) into fabric form.

5. The fabric is then cut and sewed into a polyester-based garment.

Polyester is a thermoplastic that can be heated and cooled to various shapes, making it suitable for various applications. While polyester is most commonly used in garments, it can be found almost anywhere, including safety belts, home furnishings, and plastic water bottles.

Pros of Polyester

Durable and Strong

Polyester fabric has strong fibers that can withstand abrasion and are wear-resistant, making the cloth less vulnerable to getting ripped or torn. In addition, polyester does not pill like other natural fibers. These characteristics make polyester ideal for uniforms and sportswear that are worn day in and day out and see rough use.

Low Priced and Cheap to Produce

Polyester is much less costly to manufacture than natural fibers as it does not depend on growing plants and animals. That is why it is less cost-intensive, and manufacturing it in large quantities is relatively easier. Moreover, polyester fibers are easier to weave into fabric than cotton, which also makes the manufacturing process faster.

Flexible to Produce Variable Textures

When it comes to surface texture, polyester fiber is remarkably adaptable and can imitate different surface textures of natural fabrics. It can be blended with other fibers to give the fabric a soft feel or a more durable fabric with a rough feel. One example is polyester-cotton blends, which are known for their durability and breathability.

Recyclable

Another advantage of polyester over other fibers is that it can be recycled easily. Used polyester can be melted and remade into new clothing and fabrics, making it a more sustainable option compared to non-recyclable synthetic and natural fibers.

Cons

Absorbs Heat

The polyester fabric absorbs heat, making it unsuitable for summer. However, this same quality also makes it great for winter wear.

Does not Absorb Moisture

A drawback of polyester fiber is that it does not absorb water, which means that it cannot be worn in hot temperatures where it cannot absorb sweat.

Lack of Breathability

Polyester fabrics do not allow air to pass through, making them uncomfortable to wear in hot temperatures. Moreover, they soak up body odor, and the lack of air passing through them traps the body odor in the fabric.

Not Environmentally-Friendly

Arguably, polyester's greatest downside is that its manufacture negatively impacts our planet's environment. It is a polymer that is not biodegradable and does not break down naturally. Polyester also sheds microplastic during washing. These microplastics can end up in waterways and soil and are harmful to health.

Polyester, once discarded, also ends up in landfills, and since it does not biodegrade, it becomes a source of pollution.

Apart from this, polyester is made from petroleum and fossil fuels, which are limited, non-renewable resources. The high demand for polyester means that millions of barrels of oil are extracted, using up the earth's limited natural resources.

Polyester production is also energy-intensive and causes a lot of pollution, as many toxic chemicals are produced in the process. The best way to minimize polyester's negative environmental impact is to popularize using recycled polyester.

Conclusion

Polyester fiber, a synthetic material widely used in the textile industry, offers a range of advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, polyester is highly durable, resistant to wrinkles, shrinking, and stretching, and dries quickly. These properties make it ideal for various applications, from clothing and home furnishings to industrial uses. Additionally, polyester is generally cost-effective and can be easily blended with other fibers to enhance fabric qualities, a practice often utilized by poly core spun yarn suppliers.

However, there are some notable disadvantages. Polyester can be less breathable than natural fibers, leading to discomfort in warm conditions. It also tends to retain odors and can be prone to pilling over time. Environmental concerns are significant as well; polyester is derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and it is not biodegradable, contributing to long-term pollution.