Everything You Need to Know About Polyester

The Many Faces of Polyester

The name itself provides a clue: polyester is a synthetic polymer containing ester functional groups. Unlike natural fibers, polyesters do not occur in nature; they are entirely man-made, created through chemical synthesis. Despite their laboratory origins, they have proven indispensable across numerous industries and in our daily lives.

Polyester is known by various trade names depending on the region:

• Dacron (primarily in the USA)
• Terylene (United Kingdom)
• Lavsan (Russia and post-Soviet countries)
• Elana or Torlen (Poland)
• Trevira, Westan, and many others.

Features of Polyester

Polyester fibers are characterized by high resistance to tearing, bending, and abrasion. For this reason, the fabric maintains a “neat” and professional appearance for a long time and is virtually wrinkle-free, requiring almost no ironing. This material also boasts good resistance to light (UV rays) and chemical factors (weak acids and bases).

Polyesters are biologically resistant (to fungi, mold, and moths) and have very low water absorption. However, they can be appropriately processed to become a popular material for cleaning cloths. The famous microfiber cloths, in their most common version, consist of 80% polyester and 20% polyamide.

Returning to the issue of low water absorption, there is another advantage: polyesters are stain-resistant. Dirt is easy to remove, and the fabric washes well even at low temperatures and dries quickly. This makes it an excellent material for advertising tents and other products used outdoors, such as in the garden.

Unfortunately, polyesters are prone to static electricity, which can ruin a hairstyle when used in clothing. Older types of polyester also do not provide adequate skin ventilation and tend to retain sweat odors. These drawbacks have been eliminated in modern polyesters – so-called semi-permeable membranes, which are used in jackets and performance sportswear.

How is Polyester Made?

Well, polyester is derived from non-renewable petroleum, which contributes to the controversy surrounding this material. Are these concerns justified? To some extent, yes. However, it is worth considering other facts. Polyester can be recycled, and the fact that a material is natural does not automatically mean it is “environmentally friendly.” For example, cotton production requires massive amounts of pesticides and water, which also has a significant negative impact on the planet.

Polyester is produced through one of three chemical reactions. Initially, it takes the form of flakes, which are then melted down. This process creates polyester fibers that can be stretched and shaped into specific forms.

As a side note, it is worth mentioning that polyester is not just for fabrics. It is also used to produce CDs (polycarbonates also belong to the polyester family), PET bottles, and various types of films and foils.

The Road to Success?

Work on obtaining polyester began as early as the 1930s. However, it wasn’t until 1941 in Manchester that PET – a type of thermoplastic polymer – was patented. This was the undeniable success of two British chemists: James Tennant Dickson and John Rex Whinfield. After that, history moved very quickly, and soon both Americans and Soviets developed their own versions.

Polyester took the clothing industry by storm in the 1970s, alongside the trend for non-iron shirts. It became a staple of the fashion of that era. Today, it still dominates high-street fashion chains, though it does not always enjoy the best reputation. While it is cheap and durable, it can also lack breathability. Brands are now improving its public image by using recycled polyester.

However, as we mentioned before, not all polyester is created equal. High-quality polyester fibers are widely used in professional sportswear. Their specific structure ensures thermal comfort and moisture-wicking properties, which is highly valued by users of thermal underwear and base layers.

Polyester in Advertising

Another industry that is exceptionally fond of polyester is advertising – specifically printed advertising media such as tents, inflatables, and event furniture. On one hand, polyester ensures the necessary strength and durability of these products; on the other, it allows for high-quality, vibrant prints. Most often, polyester with a weight of over 200 g/m² is used for these purposes. For advertising flags, a thinner polyester of approximately 100 g/m² is typically chosen.

To further enhance the functional qualities of these displays, the polyester is often additionaly impregnated. This coating increases the material’s water resistance and stain resistance, making it even more reliable for professional use.