TRM-2 Lecture 05

1
Polyester is a another
copolymer. It is made
from equal amounts of
two different
monomers. Polyester is
used to make bottles
and fabrics.
There are many types of
polyesters such as, PETE,
POLY BUTYLENE
TEREPHTHALATE, etc

2
Polyester is made from the two monomers, terephthalic acid and ethylene
glycol.
This makes a popular plastic called PETE, which is short for
Polyethylene Terephthalate. The synthesis is also a dehydration reaction
because water is given off.

3
4
There was even a
movie called "Polyester"
which showcased a
carefree lifestyle]
Polyester fabrics were
called wash and wear,
meaning they were
quick to wash, quick to
dry, and no ironing
needed.
 Trade Name:
Trade name Country/manufacturer
Dacron USA
Terylene UK
Fortrel USA
Tetoron Japan
Trevira Japan
Pentron Japan
Tetron Japan
Accepta KoSa
Comforel INVISTA
Fillwell USA
6
MANUFACTURING PROCESS:
Today over 70 to 75% of polyester is produced by CP (continuous
polymerization) process using PTA (purified Terephthalic Acid) and
MEG. The old process is called Batch process using DMT (Dimethyl
Terephthalate) and MEG (Mono Ethylene Glycol).

7
8
 Physical properties:
Strength: 3-9 gm/den
Density: 1.38 gm/cc
Absorbency: not so good
Moisture regain: 0.4%
Elongation at break: 20-30%
Color: normally white
Chemical properties:
Effect of acid:
Resistance to both weak and strong acid
Effect of alkali:
At room temperature it has good resistance both weak and strong alkalis
Effect of bleaches:
It has good resistance to bleach
Effect of organic solvent: no effect
PET is hydrophobic
Dye affinity:
Disperse and azoic dyes and some pigment dyes are used
9
Mechanical properties:
Resiliency: excellent
Abrasion resistance: very good
Elasticity: medium

Environmental properties:
Effect of mildew: good resistant
Effect of moth: good resistant
Effect of sunlight: good resistant to degradation to sunlight.

Thermal properties:
PET polyester fiber will soften when heated. The sticking and melting points
of these fibers are high enough.
PET polyester fibers have an excellent resistance to the effect of prolonged
exposure at elevated temperatures below the softening point.

10
Question
Write down the monomers of Polyester (slide 3)
Write down the physical properties of Polyester fiber. (slide 7)
Please mention 6 trade name of polyester fiber with their country of
origin. (Slide 4)

11