Polyester

Polyester is a fully synthetic fibre made of linear macromolecules whose chain consists of at least 85 percent by weight of an ester of a diol with terephthalic acid. Polyester fibres are 100 % wet-strong, resistant to alkalis and acids, and their rapid resilience surpasses all other synthetic fibres. Compared with polyamide, their low elongation under small tensile loads is notable.

Production

Organic terephthalic acid combines with ethylene glycol to form diglycol terephthalate. Polyester is then spun into filament or staple fibres in the melt-spinning process.

Where you will find polyester

Polyester is highly versatile – in ladies' and men's outerwear, in the "classic blend" with around 45 % virgin wool and, most often, in shares of over 50 % in blended fabrics with cotton. As a filament it is the dominant material for curtain fabrics; thanks to its high bulk elasticity, polyester fibrefill is also well suited as a filling for quilts and padding.

You can find more fibres in the overview of synthetic man-made fibres.