Polyester fabric (polyethylene terephthalate) is a synthetic woven material known for being durable and

relatively inexpensive to produce. It was invented in 1941 by British chemists and brought by DuPont to
the United States. Polyester rose to prominence in the 1970s as an inexpensive material for suiting and
other clothing. Polyester and polyester blends are now the most popular human-made fabrics in the
world, and one of the most popular synthetic fabrics overall.Polyester fabric is a synthetic material made
from the polymerization of petroleum-derived ethylene glycol and purified terephthalic acid, which
meltdown to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Manufacturers push the molten PET through a
spinneret to form semi-crystalline fibers which are sometimes chemically treated before being weaved
together to create polyester fabric.

Cotton Fiber Properties Physical Properties of Cotton: Physical properties of cotton fibers are given
below: Color: The color of cotton fiber could be white, creamy white, bluish white, yellowish white or
grey. Tensile Strength: Cotton is moderately strong fiber. It has a tenacity of 3-5 gm/den.8 den.

Chemical Properties

Effects of alkalis – These fibres are resistant to alkalis and are comparatively unaffected by normal
laundering. The resistance is because of the lack of attraction between the cotton polymers and alkalis.

Effect of Acids – Cotton fibres are weakened and destroyed by acids. Acids hydrolyze the cotton polymer
at the glycosidic oxygen atom which connects the two glucose units to form the cellobiose unit. Mineral
acids being stronger than organic acids will hydrolyse the cotton polymer more quickly.

Effect of Bleaches – The most common bleaches used on cotton textile materials are sodium
hypochlorite and sodium perborate. They are: oxidizing bleaches and bleach because of the oxygen
liberated from them.

Effect of Sunlight and weather – The ultra-violet rays of sunlight provide photo chemical energy whilst
the infra-red rays provide heat energy essential to degrade the cotton polymers in the pressure of
atmospheric oxygen, moisture and air pollutants. The breakdown of polymers takes place through
diverse hydrolysis reactions. The beginning degradation is noticed as a slight fibre discoloration. Fading
of colored cotton textile is partially because the breakdown of the dye molecules in the fibre’s polymer
system.

Color Fastness – Cotton is easy to dye and print. The classes of dye which may be used to color cotton
are azoic, direct, reactive, sulphur and vat dyes. The polar polymer system easily attracts any polar dye
molecules into the polar system. Therefore, dye molecules which can be dispersed in water will be
absorbed by the polymer system of cotton.

Mildew – Cotton is damaged by fungi. Heat and dampness support the growth of mildew. The fungi
produce a chemical compound which has the power of changing cellulose to glucose. The fungi feed on
the molecules of sugar: Cotton treated with acrylo nitrite is resistant to mildew.

Insects – Moths and beetles do not change cotton. Silver fish will eat cotton cellulose especially if heavily
starched.

Cotton and polyester couldn’t be more different. Cotton is natural, breathable, absorbent, and
sustainable. Polyester, on the other hand, is a synthetic fiber that doesn’t breathe well, repels water,
and isn’t sustainable.

But keep in mind that you’ll see cotton and polyester blended together to produce fabrics that exhibit
properties that can’t be achieved using either fiber alone. Taken separately, each has its advantages and
disadvantages. The more you know, the better choices you can make when selecting a fiber to meet
your needs.