What is recycled polyester? Applications of recycled polyester fabric

Polyester is a synthetic fabric fiber that originated in the 1940s. With many superior advantages, recycled polyester is widely used in fashion and industrial production. Thinh Gia Huy will help you understand what recycled polyester is and its applications through the following article!

Polyester  is a type of synthetic fiber that is formed from ethylene, which is derived from petroleum. It can also be considered a type of plastic. The chemical polymerization process produces the most complete polyester fibers, which are then woven into fabric.

Recycled polyester, also known as rPET, is a type of synthetic polymer made from post-consumer plastic waste. The full name of recycled polyester is Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), which is a type of synthetic polymer. PET is created by mixing a combination of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid together. There are four basic types of PET fibers, including staple fiber, tow, fiberfill, and filament.

The production process of Polyester fiber depends on the desired type of fiber that the manufacturer wants to produce. Below is the basic production process of Polyester fiber.

2.1. Polymerization reaction

In the first step, a mixture of two compounds, dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol, is mixed together with a catalyst. The mixture is then heated at a temperature ranging from 50-210°C. Monomer compounds are formed from this process.

The polymerization reaction is then completed by reacting the monomer compounds with terephthalic acid at 280°C. At this point, the polyester fabric fibers are gradually formed and passed through a slot to form polyester strips.

2.2. Drying

Next, the polyester strips will be dried and cooled to set the material. The strips are then cut into smaller pieces and undergo another round of drying to ensure consistency in quality among the smaller pieces.

2.3. Yarn extrusion

The cut and dried polyester pieces will be melted at a temperature of 260-270°C. The resulting viscous mixture will be placed in a spinneret and forced through small holes of different shapes, which is called the spinning process.

The size of the fabric fibers is determined by the density of the holes in the spinneret. Each fiber is formed as it is sprayed out of the spinneret and twisted together. At this stage, chemicals may be added to give the fabric fibers antibacterial, flame retardant, antistatic properties, etc.

2.4. Spining

After the yarn extrusion, Polyester is very soft and can be stretched several times its original length. To achieve the thinnest possible thickness and diameter of the fabric threads, the Polyester fibers are stretched. This step is equally important in determining the final softness or stiffness of the finished product.

2.5. Spining yarn

Before weaving the fabric, the polyester fibers will be rolled onto a large tube.

3.1.Good water resistance capability

If you notice, you will see that items that need high water resistance such as sleeping bags, tents, jackets, sportswear, etc. are all made from Polyester. Therefore, it can be said that Polyester has excellent water resistance. The fabric fiber has low moisture absorption and can be easily processed without worrying about fading over time.

3.2. Wrinkle-resistant ability.

As a type of fabric specialized for producing pants and sportswear, Polyester has good wrinkle resistance. You can comfortably wash products made from Polyester in the washing machine, use them for a long time without worrying about wrinkles, stretching, or losing their original shape.

3.3. Not absorbing dirt and easy to clean.

Polyester fabrics have a smooth surface and low absorbency, making them resistant to mold, dirt, and stains. As a result, products made from polyester are easier to clean.

3.4. Impressive dyeing ability.

Polyester is widely used in the textile industry, so its dyeing ability is extremely important, determining the aesthetic value of the product. Fortunately, this type of fabric has an impressive dyeing ability, easy to dye, and the colors on the fabric are all accurate and clear.

Moreover, when washing clothes made of polyester, they will not bleed into other types of clothes, so you do not need to wash them separately. Polyester can maintain color for a long period of time.

3.5. Low cost

In general, Polyester has a simple production process, made from readily available raw materials and has a low cost. This is why products made from this material are affordable and suitable for many users.

4.1. Garment

With many advantages such as impressive dyeability, wrinkle resistance, dirt resistance, and good durability, Polyester fabric is highly trusted in the garment industry, especially in sportswear. Polyester is often combined with cotton to enhance the sweat absorption of clothing.

In addition to being used for clothing, this material is widely used to produce waterproof products such as umbrellas, raincoats, luggage covers, tarpaulins, document bags, and more.

4.2. Industry

Polyester is widely used in daily life and in various industries, from industrial fabric production to insulation materials and bedding. Its characteristic features include resistance to dirt and mold and non-absorbency, which gives products made from polyester many outstanding advantages.

4.3. Agriculture

Covering grass with a breathable and light-permeable tarp is an effective way to protect trees and plants from the invasion of weeds. This method can save garden owners a lot of money and effort compared to traditional weed control methods.