Polyester polyamide properties comparison. Fabric (material) for the manufacture of sports swimwear. Use for clothing and textiles

What polyamide (PA, PA) is used for, what it is, the characteristics of this material, the composition and properties of the fabric, we will describe in detail in our article.

History and modernity

This name includes a whole group of subspecies of matter created by mixing organic and artificial fibers. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the exact date when synthetics began to be produced. In the thirties of the last century for tires car tires Nylon was invented by DuPont. Due to its exceptional characteristics (strength, plasticity), it began to be used in the creation of clothing and footwear.

Only in the 60s, the production of polyamide was established by experimental method, as independent species new fabric. For a very long time, people did not accept it, as they were used to dressing from natural material. But soon she took a leading position and was included as an indispensable component for the creation of light industry products. Today we meet products at every step (details household appliances, computers, dishes, Construction Materials, elements in railway cars, airplanes and ships).

Features of the composition and production

This species is obtained from organic natural resources such as: oil, gas, charcoal. Production takes place in three ways:

• . From benzene, caprolactam appears during the synthesis.
• . From the resulting substance, a fossil polymer is formed.
• . Final stage- this is a direct technological processing, where a thread is obtained from the stretched fibers.

Processing Methods:

• . With the help of a special machine (extruder), where a hole is technologically provided, products are made from polymer compounds. The process involves the extrusion of heated material.
• . Shaped polymerization, in which a high molecular weight substance is obtained by repeatedly attaching small molecules to the main center.
• . Pressing refers to the process of obtaining fabric under pressure. A substance is placed in the hole of the matrix and then pushed out using a press ram.
• . Molten plastic is poured under pressure into a special mold, which is subsequently cooled.
• . By vacuum forming sheet or film material is obtained. At the same time, the temperature is heated until such time that the product passes from a solid state into an elastic one.
• . Making the product by the method of pneumo-forming, under the influence of compressed air at high t.

In any of these steps, various chemical acid or chloride additives are used to achieve good fire and water resistance results.

Mechanical properties of polyamide products

Types of various materials from this polymer are similar in their characteristics to each other. They are united by two main qualities - it is strength and durability. Consider all the advantages and disadvantages.

pros

The positive features include:

• . Flexibility. Under heavy loads and stretching, it does not lend itself to deformation of the shape.
• .Products dry faster than those made from organic fabrics due to their water-repellent properties.
• . During the fire does not possess combustibility, does not flash. It just melts and smolders.
• . It is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation, under the influence of which it does not fade and does not lose its original color gamut.
• . Resistant to the formation of mold, fungus.
• . It can be used in aggressive conditions, as it is not subject to corrosion by salts, acids and alkalis.
• . The material is not prickly, pleasant for the human body.
• . Technologists at enterprises can easily paint it in any color scheme.
• . With hand and machine washing, it remains in its original shape (does not shrink, does not wrinkle).
• . High strength, as it consists of threads, one of which can withstand a colossal load of 1.5 kg.
• . The low specific gravity gives the product "weightlessness".

Cons of polyamide fabric

The disadvantages include:

• . Low moisture absorption.
• . Due to the fact that the fiber has a high thermal conductivity, it will be cold in winter and hot in summer in clothes made from it.
• . There is no way to remove grease stains.
• . Unsuitable for operation at temperatures above 40 degrees. At this point, breaking and crumbling occurs.
• . Low hygroscopicity leads to increased electrification.
• . Synthetics can lead to allergic skin rashes.

Technical qualities and applications

Such characteristics as wear resistance and strength allowed the structural material to be used in all sectors of the national economy:

• . In light industry, it is used for the production of: summer clothes, raincoats and jackets, synthetic ropes and ropes, sports equipment, sneakers, sneakers and soles for other shoes; carpets and rugs, fishing gear, equipment for tourists, umbrellas, furs, tights and underwear.
• . In mechanical engineering, bushings, wheel rims and shock-absorbing mechanisms are made from polyamide plastic.
• . In the construction industry, it is used for the manufacture of: pipeline parts, shut-off and control valves, certain types of solvents and paints and varnishes, antiseptic coatings and from metal corrosion.
• . In the food industry, synthetic elements are used for equipment that come into contact with products.
• . In medicine, it is a suture surgical thread, artificial prostheses and joints, orthopedic corsets, supporting dressings and bandages, blood vessels.

Varieties and modifications

Polyamide and nylon are the same fiber that has been widely and successfully used throughout the world for over 50 years. Their properties are almost the same, both are distinguished by high tensile strength, wear resistance, have a wide range of minus and plus temperatures, withstand steam loads up to 140 degrees. On Russian market used PA under the numbers: 6, 66, 11, 12, 610. After recycling - 6-12, 6-21.

The PA 6 group is widely used at world and Russian factories. Based on this substance, a structural thermoplastic is made, which has found its place in the mining industry, in the automotive industry. Due to its resistance to hydrocarbon products, mechanical properties and moisture absorption, this component is added to the production of critical components and parts.

Types of fabrics and their scope

In modern industry, seven main types are used, each of which is widely used in all sectors of the national economy.

Kapron

This is a synthetic polyamide fiber, white-transparent, as strong as possible. Compared to silk, it has the greatest elasticity. Products from it are not erased during repeated use. When wet, they are very resistant, as the material does not absorb moisture. Therefore, this fabric goes to the manufacture:

• . fishing line and net;
• . rope and twine;
• . guitar string;
• . filtration materials;
• . tights, stockings and socks;
• . parts for bushings, gear wheels, cordon thread for tires, bearings in the automotive industry;
• . parachutes.

Anid

This is a variety of the first material, the name of which came into use among foreign chemists. additional characteristics- it is an increased heat resistance and susceptibility to staining.

Nylon

The oldest material that was synthesized in 1935 by the American chemist and inventor Cazoresle. After laboratory research, it was introduced to the public at the end of the thirties. One of the legends says that the term comes from the names of New York and London. There is also an alternative version, allegedly DuPont artificially created a random word from different syllables of "kapron".

Until now, disputes have not subsided over what is better than nylon, polyamide or propylene. All these fibers have the same properties. Used in various industries.

Taslan

Increased strength and better breathability give the material a heavy weight. This characteristic contributes to the manufacture of outerwear.

Jordan

Good conductivity of air masses and water repellency made it possible to sew jackets, raincoats, windbreakers and overalls for adults and children from this fabric. The basis of this textile is a fabric with a special weave, where strength is enhanced due to the addition of reinforcing threads to the composition. This gives the appearance of smoothness with a kind of overflow.

Velsoft

This modern material, loved by designers for tailoring clothes for babies. The second name is microfiber. It has the texture of velor, very soft and fluffy to the touch. At the same time, it does not let cold air masses through, does not roll down and does not wear out during numerous washings. Blankets, bedspreads and towels made from it will last a long time.

Taktel

This microfiber, which has a two-layer structure with all the positive characteristics, is used to produce special special suits that are used in cold climates: sports and tourist clothing, underwear, compression leggings, stockings, socks and stockings for muscle recovery after training injuries.

Usage

Synthetic polyamide fiber is a material of inorganic origin, synthesized from oil, gas or charcoal. The main properties make it possible to use the canvas for the manufacture of carpets, a huge range of clothing (from socks to jackets), artificial fur and knitting threads, fishing tackle, haberdashery, belts for conveyor equipment and many other products of light and heavy industry.

Specifications

It is not possible to list all the properties of polyamides in numbers. Let's look at a few common types:

• . PA6-LPO-T18. The impact strength is 30 Charpy. Tensile strength 77 MPa and above. Breakdown resistance - 25 kV per mm.
• . Model 66-1A is resistant to deformation. Not susceptible to the effects of chemical compounds (oil, gasoline, alkalis). It is used in the manufacture of parts subject to mechanical stress (bearing bush, gear). Can be melted at temperatures from 254 to 260 degrees.

Various additives are used to create polyester or nylon, which provide additional data on bending stress, temperature bending under load, and others.

Historical reference

Above we wrote about the date of PA synthesis. But for the first time, the compound, which included the Stirol resin base, was made in the thirties of the nineteenth century by the scientists Ostromyslensky and Staudinger. With the help of light polymerization of styrax, the last chemist established fiber production in Germany in 1911. But this material was not very popular in the world due to the high cost of oil and gas resources. The picture changed during the Second World War. Then a weapon with napalm was required, which cannot be extinguished with water for a long time. To do this, they began to use styrene rubber as a lubricant. Subsequently, the United States used this property to conduct a burning war in Vietnam.

Products

We paid great attention to consumer goods produced by the light industry. I would like to put the emphasis on those things that are used for technical purposes. Polyamide material is successfully used in the production of:

• . sliding bearings.
• . Various gaskets with unique performance properties.
• . Hub units for cars and machine tools, as well as for body elements and brackets.
• . Spare parts for units of varying complexity, which are designed to reduce the susceptibility to shock, vibration, sounds.
• . Seals that increase tightness in devices with increased pressure.

And also this material is used for the production of parts:

• . warehouse hydraulic trolley ();
• . for pipes and profiles of different diameters (round, square, rectangular, decorative, external and internal plugs);
• . furniture fittings(plastic chippers, guides, supports);
• . bearings.

All products are presented in the catalog of the trading and manufacturing company "MPlast".

Main characteristics

Polymer fabric has the following properties:

• . Plasticity, in which it is easily bent and at the same time restores its original shape, that is, it does not lend itself to deformation.
• . Durability. Easily accepts great physical exertion.
• . Heat resistance. Does not change its qualities when exposed to high and low temperatures.
• . Immunity to chemicals (alkalis, acids). Including it does not oxidize under the influence of oxygen and water, like a metal.
• . Long operation, during which the products do not change their physical properties.
• . The ability to reduce the coefficient of friction.
• . Immunity to conduction of electric charge.
• . The ability to withstand constant loads.
• . Does not change its qualities with temperature changes.
• . Withstands steam influence at 140 degrees.
• . In severe frost, it is not subject to breaking, that is, it retains its elasticity.
• . It is not affected by the action of alcohol, solvent, oil and gasoline.
• . Soluble in concentrated formic, sulfuric and trifluoroacetic acids. And also phenol, cresol, chlorine and trifluoroethanol act on it.

To change the basic properties, various additives are used, such as: mineral fillers and fiber optics. All methods are suitable for processing: milling, drilling, turning, welding and grinding. Good for coloring. The downside is poor air permeability, which negatively affects the manufacture of clothing for young children. It is also impossible to operate products at temperatures below 40 degrees, this can lead to brittleness and crumbling. Allergy sufferers are strictly forbidden to use knitwear made from this fiber.

We gave a lot of differences and described in detail what it is - polyamide, whether this material is harmful or not, in what clothes it is used, how it differs from polyester and what is the difference between it and nylon.

- synthetically obtained fiber, mainly using polyethylene terephthalate, however, there are flow charts using polycarbonates and LC polyesters. Common fiber examples include slottera, terel, trevira, etc.

Properties: The material exhibits excellent resistance to physical impact as well as to organic solvents. Polyester is insensitive to ultraviolet radiation, keeps its shape well when heated, thanks to which pleats and pleats are perfectly kept on clothes. Resistant to microorganisms, moths, other harmful insects.

Handling: most often, polyester is excellent at high temperatures, so it can be easily washed at 40 degrees and at 60 (although it’s still better to read the instructions on the label). However, by heating the fabric above these temperatures, wrinkling may occur. Regarding the detergent that can be used when washing, start from the fact that for white fabrics you can use any detergent, and for colored fabrics - a product for fine fabrics. So you will significantly extend the life of your item. Clothing made from this material dries very well on its own, so do not dry it dry in your washer. For further manipulations with polyester clothing, always pay attention to the instructions indicated on the label. So, it is best to iron this fabric through a damp cloth in the “Silk” or “for soft fabrics” mode.

POLYAMIDE
A popular material, whose performance is much closer to the properties of natural fabrics. Most famous brands polyamide: perlon, nylon and helanca.

Properties: this material perfectly demonstrates its properties in the summer, as it perfectly passes air, eliminating discomfort for the owner, and is also especially resistant to sunlight and exposure to salty sea water. In addition, polyamide is rightfully considered one of the most durable materials.

Handling: handle polyamide in the same way as with polyester fabrics, i.e. try not to overdry when washing and iron gently with the slightest heat and steam. One important feature– things made of polyamide are less resistant to high temperatures during washing, so we do not recommend washing them at temperatures above 40 degrees.

VISCOSE
Viscose is a material that, depending on processing, can look like silk, wool or linen. It is obtained due to the chemical action on natural raw materials (cellulose), although it is one of the most "natural" fibers among the above. The essence of the processing is the complete dissolution of cellulose and "squeezing" it through small holes of the desired diameter, thereby obtaining viscose fibers. It is possible to give the desired appearance by varying the production parameters, while the luster, fineness and crimp of the fibers will change, which will ultimately affect the nature of the material obtained. For example, thickening the thread causes the viscose fibers to take on the appearance of linen.

Handling: it is necessary to wash in a gentle mode, not exceeding the set temperature (30-35 degrees) with a product for thin fabrics. Viscose is a quivering and delicate fiber that cannot be twisted or dried in a centrifuge. It is best to dry the material by gentle wringing or blotting with a dry cloth. It is strictly forbidden to dry the item in a dryer.

ACETATE AND TRIACETATE
acetate and triacetate fibers are obtained from cellulose acetate in organic solvents (for example, the latter is obtained from a mixture of methyl chloride and alcohol). Whereas, depending on the method (dry or wet), acetate silk or staple fiber can be obtained.

Properties: acetate fiber is superior in elasticity to viscose, does not wrinkle very much when used, and can be easily dyed, which makes it possible to obtain a brighter range of colors. Triacetate fiber is less hygroscopic than acetate fiber, it adsorbs moisture better, which negatively affects the properties of clothing and color fastness. Soft, quality material that transmits the sun's rays.

Handling: it is best to wash by hand, in no case should you use solvents or cleaning products based on acetone, since this type of fabric dissolves perfectly in it and may no longer survive washing. It is good at high temperatures (washing is possible even at 70 degrees), but you should not overdo it, acetate breaks down at 210 degrees, and triacetate at 290. When ironing, it is best to use low temperatures and iron with reverse side in gentle mode.

ELASTAN
An elastic additive to fabrics that allows the material to stretch more than 6 times and then return to its original shape. Lightweight with good breathability. The composition is a segmented polyurethane material, sufficiently strong for tearing and abrasion, but soft and flexible. Wrinkles badly, does not form folds when worn.

Handling: in principle, there is a general trend in the handling of fabrics - gentle washing, low temperatures, neat ironing of things. The material is very comfortable, often, to remove contamination, just rinse the item in water. It is very important not to use dryers, and also to carefully monitor the rest of the fabrics in the composition in order to more accurately select the washing regimen.

POLYACRYL
Polyacrylic or acrylic - a material very reminiscent of wool, more tear resistant, resistant to external influences, and also more easily dyed. Most often, it is used together with wool for the manufacture of knitwear and outerwear.

Handling: the fabric does not wrinkle, washing is carried out at 30 degrees, it does not need ironing, because it dries perfectly on its own. Like other types of synthetic fiber, it is best to refrain from drying with dryers.

MERYL
Meryl is a new generation fiber that surpasses natural fabrics in strength and resistance to external influences, but it is just as easy to pass air, as well as lighter than natural fibers. The material does not allow moisture to pass through, and also does not require special care, it has an increased ability to drape, suppress the development of microorganisms and a wide variation in textures.

NYLON
Nylon is one of the most famous materials from polyamide solution, which is the oldest synthetic material that instantly conquered mankind. Main distinctive features, especially at the time of its first appearance, has become high wear resistance, shine and lightness. The whole footage weighed much lighter than its natural counterparts, while the price was just as much cheaper. Resistant to the action of many chemical and biological reagents, does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet rays, perfectly stained, which is especially unusual under the influence of artificial lighting, due to which the fabric shimmers and plays with a mass of shades.

The material also has a couple of drawbacks: it is highly electrified, and can also cause an allergic reaction. Smooth and pleasant to the touch material - one side of the medal, nylon does not allow air to pass through, creating a greenhouse effect, and also does not absorb moisture, adding discomfort to the owner during operation.

Nylon is based on acetic acids and amides, so the material cannot be washed in chlorine-containing solvents. If pure nylon is quite problematic and difficult material, then adding it to natural fibers or other synthetics masks it as much as possible negative sides while increasing wear resistance and aesthetics.

ELASTAN LYCRA (ELASTAN LYCRA)
Lycra is one of the well-known brands of polyurethane fiber, which is representative of the traditional qualities of synthetics. Elasticity, lightness and thinness of the fabric allow the manufacturer not to experience any special problems in the production of things from lycra, and special breathability, wear resistance and drape are separate advantages for the buyer. Rarely used in 100% of the product and much more often in combination, giving the product the desired character and shape.

Handling: washing at low temperatures, at which it is not recommended to use rinse agents, as they can adversely affect not only the quality of lycra, but also other elastane components in the material.

WOOL
Sheep are considered to be the main source of wool fibers. Also used wool llama, alpaca, angrian breeds of artiodactyls. The classification of woolen fabrics is divided into low-quality wool - "Wolle", higher-quality mixtures with woolen wool are designated "Schurwolle", or - natural wool. Such a classification is awarded if the woolen material has no more than 7% impurities in its composition. Finally, "Reine Schurwolle" - highest class wool, which contains no more than 0.3% third-party fiber. Such wool has high heat-absorbing properties, practically does not get dirty and dries for a long time.

Properties: high-quality wool is resistant to strong odors, which are instantly weathered from it. In addition, in the process of wearing such material falls off even more, which only improves its thermal insulation properties.

Handling: the material should only be washed by hand using a detergent for woolen fabrics. Special recommendation - do not exert strong physical impact during the washing process, do not rub, twist, pull or wring out the material strongly. Do not tumble dry or spin dry. Ideal temperature regime- no more than 30 degrees, mode - wool. For a more gentle drying, wrap the wool item in a terry towel or let it “rest” rather than hang it in the sun. Exposure to ultraviolet light is better, the heat of a radiator or dryer can negatively affect the quality of clothing and cause it to increase its wear resistance.

MOHAIR
The famous "diamond fiber" is six angora goats with a rare addition of another fiber. It is distinguished by strength, elasticity, and the appearance of products made of mohair often attracts the eyes of passers-by due to its splendor and brilliance. The fabric of this material is unseasonable and, thanks to its insulating properties, will fit perfectly in any season, providing the owner with comfort. The content of Angora goat wool cannot be more than 85%, which is associated with technological difficulties in production (with an increase in the percentage, the material falls apart). We recommend using this as a universal way to check the authenticity of the product and the honesty of sellers.

ANGORA
Angora or angorka - rabbit down, the content of which in the yarn cannot exceed 70%. It is very sensitive to mechanical stress and very often dissolves. The thing can not be washed by hand or in a typewriter, and it is also undesirable to wet and expose to strong temperature effects. Angora is a soft and delicate fabric that can only be dry washed. Along with such gentleness and exactingness, expensive views angora yarns can last for years.

CASHMERE
When buying cashmere fabric, you should immediately pay attention to several details. First of all, the color of the fabric. Most often, the color is light gray, black or gray - it depends on the color of the goat's coat. Wool for fiber is taken from the chest or neck, which also affects the cost of the product. Natural cashmere costs thousands of dollars, and the manufacturer always indicates the density of the fibers in the yarn. The more of them - the warmer the yarn, and the less - the more it is suitable for the summer season.

Handling: cashmere items should not be worn out, they should always be treated with care, ensuring careful care. When washing, use a delicate cycle or hand wash, at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees. We recommend washing the garment after every fourth wash.

SILK
Silk is a fiber obtained from silkworm cocoons - its caterpillars are specially bred in production. Shine, universal smoothness and quality distinctive characteristics silks, which have been valued since ancient times. The process of silk production consists in the artificial breeding of cocoons, their further killing and washing it into hot water. The resulting threads are often intertwined with each other to obtain the required density of the material.

Properties: due to its physical and chemical characteristics, the material can rightfully be considered universal - it can be used both in summer and in winter time. The material absorbs no more than 45% of its own weight, and its moisture will not be tactilely felt. It is best to dry clean silk items, but hand washing is also possible. According to the conditions - here, as always, no more than 30 degrees, delicate mode, no significant mechanical impact. Wet silk items do not need to be dried in a centrifuge or dryers, but must be carefully wrapped in terry cloth, wrung out lightly. When washing, you can use a little vinegar - this refreshes and improves the color range of the product. The item is ironed on the “silk” mode, while it is not recommended to spray it with water, as this can lead to the formation of marks and stains.

LINEN
even in the face of the emergence of a large number of synthetic fabrics, many of which, thanks to modern ways production, significantly surpass natural materials in many respects, the production of flax and things from it has not decreased. First of all, this is due to the unique properties of the material. Linen perfectly absorbs moisture, dries quickly and gives off moisture, which is wonderfully felt in the warm season.

Static electricity does not accumulate on linen fiber, and the chemical and physical composition of the fibers contributes to the manifestation of thermoregulatory qualities. The production of linen material consists in obtaining the necessary fiber from the stems of plants and their further yarn until the linen is obtained.

Properties: Linen material has a smooth and flat surface, a kind of brilliance, resistant to various types of pollution. As experience proves, linen material perfectly helps the human body in the heat, lowering its temperature by 3-5 degrees. In addition, flax fiber has unique antibacterial properties, creating such a microclimate on the human body that prevents the formation of a pathogenic bacterial environment there (for example, fungus on the legs).

Handling: Linen tolerates temperature well when boiled, but the temperature regime should still not be exceeded, washing colored items at 55 degrees, and dressed at 40. Detergent- universal powder, and the washing mode is delicate, when ironing, you can allow high temperature iron, but the material is still better to pre-moisten. Linen is very wrinkled, so it is best to dry linen from this fiber on the street, however, we recommend that it be quickly removed and folded after drying - this way the linen will wrinkle less, retaining its natural texture.

COTTON
Cotton is the cheapest, mass and widespread natural fiber obtained from cotton bolls.

Properties: the material is hygroscopic. Moreover, when moisture is absorbed, the material can significantly increase in size, and its strength will also drop rapidly (unlike alternative materials, whose strength is rather increasing). not too durable, but comfortable material, sensitive to ultraviolet, which can also have Negative influence for its strength. High temperatures also reduce strength by a factor of 2. Of the other shortcomings of the fabric, it is especially sensitive to the effects and reproduction of microorganisms, which causes the material to rot and fall apart. Some technological improvements - mercerization (simultaneous treatment with an alkaline solution during stretching) and refining (reduction of such indicators as ductility and creasing) - can lead to improved consumer properties.

BAMBOO
bamboo fiber is an environmentally friendly and natural fiber, which is considered one of the most modern natural products, obtained by regenerating the cellulose of the bamboo stem. Cultivation of production raw materials, innate antibacterial properties, environmental friendliness of use - all this attracts the attention of world clothing manufacturers to this material.

Properties: the absence of the effect of accumulation of static electricity, as well as the ability to freely wash the material in washing machine, tendency to dropping. Does not cause allergy attacks.

HEMP
hemp fiber has increased tactile properties, which are clearly felt when wearing products. Like many natural materials, hemp fiber has enhanced thermoregulatory properties, maintaining the necessary temperature balance, depending on the time of year. The harmful effects of sunlight are almost completely extinguished, while the throughput (and hence the harmful effects) of other materials is at a much lower level. Hemp fiber materials are distinguished by natural practicality, wear resistance and increased service life. It is also impossible not to note the environmental friendliness of the production of this fiber, which has a positive impact on the environment.

Next article

Known synthetic materials are polyamide and polyester. What properties do things made from them have, and how does polyamide differ from polyester? This is discussed below.

Definition

Polyamide – artificial material. It contains compounds of the amide group.

Polyamide

Polyester- a synthetic product. This fabric is made from polyester fibers.

Comparison

The materials discussed are similar in basic characteristics, despite the fact that each of them has its own polymer composition. We are talking about fabrics that are durable, elastic and wrinkle little. Washing products from them does not cause trouble, and the subsequent drying of things occurs very quickly.

But you can see the difference between polyamide and polyester. The first material and products with its inclusion are more expensive. The fact is that polyamide fiber retains its integrity better, it is stronger. Accordingly, things in this case last longer. If the impermeability of the product is important, then it is also more expedient to choose polyamide.

No wonder this material is so in demand in the production of various jackets and overalls for tourists, athletes, geologists. Overalls, which are used by people who are in aggressive environmental conditions, are also often made of polyamide. It is almost never 100%, but even a small fraction of such a fiber gives the product important properties.

Bologna fabric, kapron, nylon - all these varieties are polyamide. Not only practical wardrobe items are made from the named material, but also such things as tires, ropes, fishing nets. It is worth mentioning the shortcomings of the mentioned product. These include the disposition to electrification and the inability to pass air. In connection with the latter feature, in hot weather it is not very comfortable to be in products made from such a fabric.

Considering the difference between polyamide and polyester, let's pay attention to the second material. Clothes are also sewn from it: raincoats, jackets, suits, T-shirts ... Polyester is also used to make curtains, tents, and backpacks. It is successfully combined with cotton, wool and other natural fibers, providing increased strength of the resulting combinations.

This product also tends to become electrified. It more actively absorbs moisture. However, polyester appreciates the property of retaining the shape obtained when heated. This is required, for example, to create stable folds that are the highlight of some clothing models.

In the modern world, we are increasingly confronted with the concept of "synthetics". But at the same time, we absolutely do not think about what kind of “miracle” this is and what are its advantages. Today, most synthetic items are made from polyester and polyamide. The difference between them is that different polymers are used in their production. Let's take a closer look at these two materials in order to have an idea about the composition of the fabric, its properties and quality when choosing one or another thing.

Polyamide

Undoubtedly, things made of polyamide have some disadvantages. For example, they do not retain enough heat and have the ability to be highly electrified. In addition to fabrics for outerwear, stockings and hair bands, beloved by all beautiful ladies, are made from this material. Polyamide is especially relevant in the summer - it "breathes" well and is highly resistant to sunlight.

Note that when washing things that contain polyamide, do not use high water temperature (recommended no higher than 30 degrees).

Polyester

One of the popular man-made fibers is considered to be polyester. He has various titles around the world, and it is widely used in modern light industry. In the manufacture of fabrics, polyester can be used completely (100%) or partially (from 35%). For example, when adding (40-50%) of this fiber to natural fibers, the wear resistance of the fabric increases.

This synthetic fiber has undoubted advantages:

• sufficient strength and durability;
• wear resistance;
• almost does not wrinkle;
• comfortable weight;
• things do not require special care;
• affordable price.

Note that polyester is highly hygroscopic, that is, it instantly absorbs moisture. At the same time, if during physical exertion you are wearing clothes that contain polyester, moisture quickly “departs” from the body and does not cause unnecessary discomfort.

Comparative characteristics

As noted above, the main difference between polyamide and polyester lies in the polymers that are used in the production of synthetics. Polyamide is made from organic materials (we are talking about plastic), and polyester is obtained by melting polyethylene terephthalate.

Consequently, their main differences are in appearance, thickness and purpose. The similarity lies in the fact that both materials perfectly retain their shape, almost do not wrinkle and are resistant to light. However, polyamide is more expensive than polyester.

Polyamide fabrics are great for sewing outerwear. Varieties of this fiber include nylon, capron and bologna fabric. For example, a jacket made from 100% nylon is lightweight and provides excellent weather protection. Raincoats and down jackets, which include polyamide, are distinguished by a long “sock” and resistance to moisture.

Also, modified fibers are made from this material, which are very close to cotton in their hygienic properties. We are talking about megalon and trilobal - fibers that mimic natural silk. In the "pure" form, these materials are not used. They are used in textile production only in combination with other fibers, including natural ones.

Polyester, in most cases, is used in the manufacture of linings for outerwear, underwear and curtains. Note that modern artificial fabric may have breathable properties similar to cotton. Sometimes synthetics cannot be distinguished from natural fabrics.

Summing up the properties of polyamide and polyester, it is safe to say that the fibers are in many ways similar. But polyamide has a higher strength and its hygienic properties are much higher than those of polyester. At the same time, things that contain polyamide are more expensive. In modern light industry, mixing of various fibers is widely practiced.

Fiber synthesis

As a result of the combination of polyester and polyamide, elastic, wear-resistant fabrics are obtained that retain a presentable appearance for a long time. This synthesis is optimal for the manufacture of women's underwear. "Dilute" polyester does not absorb moisture so much and is almost not able to electrify.

Also, polyester goes well with elastane (soft film). This "blending" is widely used to create hosiery, sportswear, gloves, and tight-fitting knitwear. Thanks to the elastane fibers, the material becomes "breathable" and has good "ductility". However, things made by this synthesis can fade and turn yellow when exposed to direct sunlight.

The combination of cotton and polyester (no more than 35% of the latter) makes the fabric more durable. Also, clothes made of cotton with the addition of synthetic fibers do not stretch and do not fade in the sun.

There is an opinion that synthetic fabrics can cause allergic reactions. However, this opinion is erroneous. The only thing that can lead to wearing clothes containing synthetic fibers (polyamide / polyester) is a slight feeling of discomfort when in contact with the skin in individual cases.

For information on the difference between polyurethane and polyester, see below.