Recording-2025-03-12T23:52:49.194Z

Polyester: Properties and Uses

• Heat Sensitivity (Thermoplasticity)

  • Polyester exhibits heat sensitivity, making it thermoplastic.

  • This property can be a disadvantage in common use for consumers.

  • However, it is advantageous for fashion design.

• Issey Miyake’s Influence

  • Famous Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake is known for utilizing polyester’s heat-sensitive properties.

  • He popularized permanently pleated designs through heat setting, allowing polyester to retain its shape and size unless reheated.

• Care Instructions

  • Most polyester garments can be machine washed; recommended temperature: not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

  • Ironing should be done with a moderate warm iron due to heat sensitivity.

  • Polyester garments are suitable for dry cleaning.

Sustainability in Polyester Production

• Recycled Polyester

  • Polyester is widely used, with a growing interest in sustainability.

  • Bottles and other polyester products are often collected from beaches and recycled.

• Eco-Friendly Alternatives

  • Regenerated nylon is becoming popular; brands like EcoNil focus on sustainability.

  • EcoNil produces regenerated nylon from discarded fishing nets, preventing harm to marine life.

• Repreve

  • Another notable brand is Repreve, offering recycled polyester from collected materials.

Elastane (Spandex)

• Introduction

  • Developed by DuPont and introduced in 1962; known by two names: elastane (Australia, Europe) and spandex (USA).

  • Brand name: Lycra.

• Features of Elastane

  • Known for its exceptional elasticity and ability to stretch tremendously.

  • Produced only as monofilament; it cannot be cut to staple fibers.

  • Used for stretch in clothing items, from activewear to denim.

• Chemical Resistance

  • Resistant to solvents, oil, grease, and alkalis.

  • Degrades in chlorine bleach and can deteriorate under sunlight, making it unsuitable for swimwear.

• Applications of Elastane

  • Commonly used in activewear, jeans, and stretchy garments, generally requiring 2% elastane for trousers and 15-40% for swimwear.

• Elastane Greening

  • A phenomenon where elastane fibers rupture and surface as grayish-white hairs, especially due to exposure to sunlight and chlorine.

Alternatives to Elastane in Swimwear

• Modified Elastane Options

  • Extra Life elastane claims improved degradation resistance in chlorine and perspiration but lacks specifics on modifications.

• PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate)

  • Modified/texturized polyester alternative to elastane.

  • PBT has similar stretch capabilities, is chlorine resistant, and does not degrade under sunlight.

  • Usually requires 40-50% LSTA for effective use in swimwear.

  • Offers a light, smooth feel and enhances performance in water, recommended by brands like Speedo.