Polyester Yarn - Uses And Environmental Effects

By Author: ColossusTex
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Introduction:

By spinning a polymer melt at 265°c, polyester yarns are obtained. The whole chain has a zig-zag structure. Each of the tiny parts is connected with van der Waals connection. Polyester yarns are thermoplastic materials usually derived from petroleum. Among all types of yarns, polyester yarns are one of the finest and synthetic yarns. Polyester yarns are mostly used for embroidery, knitting, sweating, etc. Due to its various uses in different industries, it is one of the most popular textiles in the world. But its increased use is causing pollution of the environment because it is mostly non-biodegradable although some of the polyester yarns can be biodegradable.

Types of Polyester Yarn:

Generally, there are three types of polyester yarns which are discussed below.

1. Ethylene polyester Yarns:

This is the most popular type of polyester yarn. Most people understand ethylene polyester yarn as polyester yarn although there are so many other kinds of polyester yarn too. This is also known as PET.

2. Plant-based polyester yarns:

Although it costs more than other ...
... polyester yarns and also it is not much durable, its biodegradable nature has made it preferable over some other kinds of polyester yarns. As it is made up of plant parts, it can easily be degraded which is positive for the environment.

3. PCDT polyester yarns:
Although it is not as popular as PCDT polyester yarns, it is more elastic than the other ones. Due to its higher elasticity, it is more preferable for certain purposes. Apart from this, PCDT polyester yarns are more durable than PET ones, so it is used for heavy applications like curtains and upholstery.

Uses of polyester yarns:

● Fashion:
Polyester yarns are wrinkle-resistant and hence are used in the fashion industry for years. Most designers prefer this material because it will make their garments look elegant and classy.

● Footwear:

Polyester yarns absorb more heat and hence this fabric is most suited for winter footwear. For the summer season, polyester yarns are mixed with some other fabrics to give more comfort to the customers. Mostly this polyester yarn is preferred as footwear due to the durability of the fabric.

Other uses:

Polyester yarns are used for different purposes like luggage and other kinds of bags, sewing threads and textiles, soft furnishings, sheets and sleeping bags etc.

Properties of Polyester Yarn:

1. They have greater elasticity.
2. It retains the shape of the fabrics for a longer time.
3. The durability of the clothes is higher.
4. The cloth of polyester yarn would not fade away quickly when it is washed.

Why is polyester yarn not preferable in terms of Environment?

1. Polyester yarns are generally made up of certain substances which require fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources and should be used judiciously. But due to the higher demand for polyester yarns for different purposes, more fossil fuels are being used and hence the chance of it being finished is increasing day by day.

2. Apart from it, the process of obtaining crude oil into petroleum releases so many toxic substances to the environment. Those toxins can affect both the biosphere and hydrosphere. Again the refining of petroleum to get ethylene to produce the most popular polyester introduces more toxins to the environment. The conversion of ethylene into the final product of ethylene polyester yarn, a number of synthetic by-products which are harmful.

3. Also as polyester enters the consumer market, it comes second in microfibre pollution. Washing polyester yarn fabrics by hand or even in a machine releases tiny synthetic microfibers which cause pollution. Microfiber pollution in the water supply harms aquatic health, quality of water and much more. This is one of the major causes of contaminated drinking water all over the world.

4. Last but not the least, polyester yarns are not degradable in nature. According to environmental scientists, it takes centuries for polyester yarns to degrade in nature. It remains in the earth's ecosystem for years. This causes soil pollution, lowers the groundwater level and also many more environmental problems.

Bottom line:

Looking at all the positive properties, polyester yarns are preferred over any other yarns. But due to its negative impacts on Environment, it should be modified and used positively if possible.