Polyester

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Polyester

Polyester (/pɒliˈɛstər/) is a category of polymers that contain the ester functional group in their main chain. As a specific material, it most commonly refers to a type called polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Etymology

The term "polyester" is a combination of the Greek word "poly" meaning "many" and "ester", a basic component in the formation of the polymer.

History

Polyesters and polyamides emerged in the early 20th century, with the first polyester fibers being produced in the 1940s. The development of these synthetic fibers revolutionized the textile industry, offering a cheaper and more durable alternative to natural fibers.

Properties

Polyesters are extremely durable, resistant to many chemicals, have high tensile strength, low water absorption, and minimal shrinkage in comparison with other industrial fibers. They are often used in the production of clothing, home furnishings, and industrial fabrics.

Health Implications

While polyester is generally considered safe for use in clothing and other consumer goods, there have been concerns about the potential health effects of prolonged exposure to the material. Some studies have suggested that polyester may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, and there is ongoing research into the potential environmental impact of polyester production and disposal.

Related Terms

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski