What is a polyamide jacket. What is the Difference Between Polyester and Polyamide

It is difficult to imagine modern industry without the use of a variety of synthetic fibers... They are used to make various fabrics used in the production of clothing and other necessary household items. Artificial materials have a fairly large number of advantages over natural ones, especially their much lower cost.

Polyamide and polyester are also synthetic fibers. They are made from various polymers that are significantly altered by certain chemicals during the manufacturing process. In this case, the resulting raw material can have a form similar to nylon, natural fabrics or non-woven fillers like padding polyester or non-woven fabric.

Features of polyamide

Polyamide is a synthetic material that is quite popular in modern industry due to its qualities. This fiber is often added in the process of making various fabrics used for sewing a particular piece of clothing. In most cases, this fiber has somewhat rough surface, however, in recent years, fabrics with a smooth or glossy texture are becoming more common.

The composition of polyamide, as the name implies, includes amide group substances... It is made in the process of processing plastics obtained using organic substances such as oil, coal or natural gas. The most popular fabrics include nylon and nylon and perlon fibers.

Thanks to the production technology and the use of certain components, polyamide has qualities that are highly demanded in the textile industry:

1. It allows air to pass freely, thereby allowing the skin to "breathe".
2. Has a fairly high degree of strength.
3. Does not wrinkle.
4. Dries quickly enough.
5. It retains its original external characteristics for a long time.
6. Not flammable.
7. Refers to the number of fairly hygienic materials.
8. Has a pleasant to the touch texture.
9. Easily cleaned from various contaminants.

However, this raw material also has certain disadvantages:

• Polyamide has a low heat-saving ability, so clothes made from such fabric are not suitable for cold weather.
• Also, the material, due to its origin, has a high ability to accumulate static electricity.
• In the process of washing things with this component, you cannot select a temperature regime above 30 degrees Celsius.

Features of polyester

Polyester is also a synthetic fabric. However, for its production are used polyester compounds(often polyethylene terephthalate). The material is used both for the manufacture of fabrics that imitate natural ones as much as possible, and for various fillers with a non-woven base (the most popular is synthetic winterizer).

Polyester has the following characteristics:

1. It often has a smooth surface.
2. Perfectly colored with various components, due to which it is distinguished by its variety colors.
3. It can have almost any texture.
4. The fabric with the addition of polyester fiber is pleasant to the touch.
5. Also, this material has a high degree of wear resistance.
6. The fabric made from this fiber is lightweight.
7. Also, it is not prone to deformation due to crushing.
8. The polyester fabric is easy to care for.
9. It has a relatively low cost.

However, when choosing this material, it should be remembered that it has some disadvantages, namely:

• High density of the fabric obtained during the production process.
• Extremely high degree of fiber electrification.

What polyamide and polyester have in common

Since both materials have similar synthetic origin, their properties are also very similar. Fabrics made of polyamide and polyester have a high degree of strength and flexibility, are distinguished by good wear resistance, practically do not wrinkle and do not fade under the influence of direct sunlight.

As far as undesirable aspects are concerned, both polyamide and polyester tend to accumulate static electricity. For this reason, these fabrics can cause discomfort in some people. However, such inconveniences can be removed with the help of special antistatic sprays.

These fabrics are among the materials pleasant enough to the touch... You should also pay attention to their hypoallergenicity. The occurrence of unpleasant sensations in the process of wearing clothes from this raw material can occur only if a person has individual sensitivity to certain components, or in connection with the use of low-quality dyes.

Differences between polyamide and polyester

Despite similar qualities, these synthetic fabrics are used in different purposes... The first material has a greater degree of strength and durability, it is also more convenient in everyday life. Accordingly, the cost of polyamide is slightly higher. Among other things, it is more resistant to moisture. However, the air permeability of this fiber is an order of magnitude worse than that of polyester.

As for the second material, its main characteristic is its low cost. Also, polyester combines well with natural fibers, which makes it possible to produce a fabric that is pleasant to the touch with excellent performance characteristics. Another of his hallmark is that the material retains its shape for a long time after heating, which allows you to create interesting design compositions without any special production difficulties.

Which fabric is best to use

Because of their qualities, polyamide and polyester have different ways application... As for the question of which fiber is best suited for making clothes, there is still no definite answer to it. To obtain the optimal solution in a specific situation, you should figure out what the requirements are for the finished product.

Polyamide is often used in production outerwear for tourists or athletes. It is also part of various protective suits used for work in aggressive conditions. environment... In addition, fiber is used in the production of ropes, nets and other household items, main characteristic which is strength. However, it should be remembered that polyamide items are not suitable for use at low temperatures.

As for polyester, the percentage of its use in the textile industry is also quite high. This fiber is used to make both outerwear and curtains, backpacks and even tents. The material is perfectly combined with natural fabrics, which allows you to ensure maximum comfort of the product and significantly improve its performance parameters. However, garments with a high polyester content are not suitable for use in high temperature environments.

22.11.2017
Exercise is an activity that has no room for discomfort. Therefore, it is important that the clothes for classes meet all the necessary needs and do not cause new worries.
Polyamide clothing ideally solves a number of problems that an athlete may have during training.

To begin with, what is this material?

Many reference books define it as a synthetic material that is actively used in the production of things associated with extreme conditions: tourism, workwear, outdoor activities, sports. This is not surprising given its unique properties.

What are the advantages of polyamide in sportswear?

• Ease.
• Strength. It is unpleasant if, during squats with a barbell, your pants break in the most undesirable place, or after a couple of sessions, scuffs appear on your favorite leggings. Polyamide fabric in combination with elastane fibers becomes very flexible and stretchable, but at the same time elastic and strong. What is just as important with active and sudden movements.
• Keeps in shape. You don't have to worry about stretching your knees, elbows or clothes stretching during use.
• Comfort. During training, we are already stressed, and we do not want an uncomfortable seam or prickly tissue to dig into our skin. Polyamide is very pleasant and soft to the touch and will not cause discomfort when it comes into contact with the skin.
• Elasticity. The material stretches very easily and takes its original shape. It nicely fits the body like a "second skin" and favorably emphasizes the figure.
• Does not wrinkle. This property is relevant when there is a lack of time; it is enough to wash the sports uniform and let it dry. It does not form any creases and folds, it will always look great.
• Conducts air. During training, the metabolism in the body accelerates, blood flow increases, and the surface of the body heats up, as a result of which the sweat glands begin to work actively. If we were working out in cotton clothes, it would instantly get wet from sweat, but polyamide clothes are very breathable, prevent the body from overheating and remove moisture.
• Does not fade in the sun. Modern technologies allow to produce a line of sportswear made of polyamide with UV protection.
• Easily dyed in bright colors. That is why synthetic fabrics always have more attractive colors than natural ones. Polyamide can be dyed in any color and, most importantly, keep it in its original form for a long time.
• Easy to care for. Most often it is washed by hand or in a delicate wash at low temperatures of 30-40 degrees, without aggressive detergents and bleaches, drying is advised in a flattened form.

What are the disadvantages of polyamide?

• Static electricity build-up.
• Doesn't warm you up. Due to its ability to pass moisture and air, the fabric does not retain heat at all. This is a great advantage in the hot season, but not in the cold.
• Oily stains are poorly removed.
• Does not withstand high temperatures. Therefore, do not dry polyamide clothes near an open fire or on batteries.

This material was not singled out as a separate type of matter in the last century, but today it is widely used for sewing clothes and other industrial purposes. It is about polyamide. It is not for nothing that its fibers are called breathable - by adding polyamide to the fabric, manufacturers provide good air permeability, as well as give it strength and softness, which increases the demand for fabric.

Briefly about history

The fabric with 100% polyamide content appeared on the shelves in the 60s of the twentieth century. Then it began to be produced on an industrial scale from aromatic polyamides.

For several centuries, this material was the only representative of synthetic fabrics. Nevertheless, polyamide fabric did not receive its own name on the market immediately, but only when synthetics became more common.

Today synthetic ones are gradually being replaced, but polyamides remain popular due to their properties. What kind of material is this that does not give up its position in conditions of crazy competition? This question will be asked by the majority, and we have prepared an answer.

Polyamide composition

Polyamide fabric is formed from synthetic fibers of the same name, which are obtained by processing oil, natural coal and gas. The surface of the resulting material is usually rough, and in some species it is smooth and shiny.

Manufacturing takes place in three stages:

1. polymer production (synthesis of caprolactam from benzene);
2. the formation of raw materials (first - fibers, then - threads);
3. textile processing of the obtained raw materials.

V modern light In the industry, fabrics with 100% polyamide content are rarely used, for example, for the manufacture of women's stockings, most often their composition is "diluted":

• wool;
• elastane;
• polyester;
• polyurethane.

Note!

The "polyamide - polyester" parallel is very often drawn. Worth knowing: the former is more durable, but more expensive.

Positive material properties

Polyamide fabrics have whole line properties with a plus sign. Let's consider them to understand why this type of synthetics is in demand:

• high strength (one polyamide thread can withstand 1.5 kg of load, although its thickness is only twice the thickness of a human hair);
• keeps its shape well (this property determines the density of polyamide, thanks to it things do not wrinkle and look beautiful even after a long "trip" in a suitcase);
• elasticity (allows things made of polyamide to fit well on any shape);
• ease;
• the fabric is pleasant to the touch;
• well repels water, dries quickly, therefore it is widely used for sewing outerwear;
• does not fade in the sun;
• perfectly withstands repeated washing, does not rub off;
• does not lend itself to the negative influence of sea salt and fungus (retains strength and color);
• fire-resistant - does not burn, but only melts at high temperatures;
• It does not require special care;
• good air permeability.

Negative characteristics

The list above is impressive, but do not rush to admire the advantages of the material, because it also has disadvantages:

• high level of electrification;
• high thermal conductivity (practically does not hold heat) - this disadvantage is relative, since in the summer it turns into a positive quality;
• quickly absorbs greasy dirt and sweat, it is very difficult to remove them;
• under the influence of high temperatures (above 40 degrees), polyamide hardens and becomes brittle;
• can cause allergic reactions(itching and redness that turn into dermatitis without treatment).

As you can see, negative characteristics are very inferior to positive ones in terms of quantity and quality.

Where is the material used?

Polyamide fabric has quickly spread across all possible applications:

• tailoring of everyday clothes (underwear, socks, sweaters, sweaters, trousers, overalls);
• production of outerwear (jackets, overalls, down jackets);
• tailoring of special clothing (for firefighters, builders, tourists, oil workers, workers of various specialties);
• production of thermal underwear;
• home textiles;
• making lace;
• manufacturing of bags, wallets, shoes;
• fishing nets;
• production of durable ropes and rubber products (pure polyamide fabric is part of rubberized conveyor belts).

In clothing, fabrics that combine polyamide and other components are most often used (the components and their ratio depend on the type of product).

Types of fabric

The popularity of polyamide fabric was the impetus for the emergence of new types. Their classification is based on the characteristics of the composition and characteristics.

• - one of the oldest types, what we call 100% polyamide. It is used for sewing tights, underwear, knitwear. The fabric is lightweight but dense, dries quickly and has a pleasant appearance but stretches when wet. The material can cause allergies. Nylon fibers are added to satin and cotton fabrics.
• Taslan is heavier than nylon, but has high strength and good air permeability. Everyday clothes for adults are sewn from it.
• Jordan is known as an excellent material for outerwear for adults and children, because it is water-repellent and breathable. The fabric is very pleasant to the touch.
• it is notable for its fleecy structure, on which pellets do not form. The material breathes perfectly and at the same time is warm, perfectly tolerates washing without losing its shape. Outerwear is sewn from this fabric, as well as home textiles (towels, blankets, etc.) are made.
• Elastane is characterized by its ability to easily regain its shape when stretched 6-8 times. It is not negatively affected by sunlight, greasy stains and sweat.
• Capron is a well-known material for making thin stockings, tights, and socks.

Caring for things made of polyamide

Polyamide fabrics are not capricious, but still there are some rules for care. By observing them, you will prolong the life of your favorite thing.

• It is necessary to wash polyamide products at temperatures up to 40 degrees, using the delicate mode.
• Polyamide can be easily washed by hand; it is advisable to apply such cleaning with slight contamination.
• Do not use centrifuge and dryer.
• Do not use bleach.
• Products should be dried by hanging them on a rope or hangers when wet.
• As a rule, things do not need to be ironed, but if such a need arises, it is necessary to iron at the lowest temperature, without using steam.
• Carefully read the labels on polyamide things, they indicate the nuances of care, which may differ depending on the composition of the fabric.

Do not add softeners when washing polyamide items, as this will cause the fabric to lose its ability to repel water.

How to recognize fabric among others?

In order to distinguish polyamide fabric from other materials, remember 4 signs.

1. Polyamide fabrics are pleasant, soft to the touch, reminiscent of natural cotton.
2. Products made from this material are easily electrified.
3. If you set fire to a piece of fabric, it will not burn, but melt without emitting a smell. After melting, a relatively soft ball remains.
4. If you put a piece of cloth in concentrated mineral acid, it will dissolve.

The positive characteristics of polyamide fabrics are convincing arguments in favor of things made from such materials. They will be a great addition to summer holidays, delighting the owner with lightness and resistance to sunlight and sea water, in spring and autumn they will protect from slush, and in winter - from wind and cold.

Updated: 05.08.2019 12:46:55

Expert: Laila Gershevich

Synthetic fabrics today occupy a significant part of the market: it is difficult to imagine it without artificial materials. All kinds of clothes, household items, etc. are created from synthetics. It has a number of advantages over natural fabrics. Today we will focus on the two most common products in the textile industry: polyester and polyamide. How do they differ from each other and what is better to choose? Our experts know the answers.

Polyamide: features, properties, application

Polyamide is a fairly popular material in modern industry, which first appeared on the market in the 60s of the last century and immediately conquered a significant part of it. This fabric was the first of those that had a synthetic base, and was popularly called the general word "synthetics".

There are 4 types of polyamide:

Nylon - used in the manufacture of knitted clothing (including underwear, socks, tights), it is very easy to clean and dry in just minutes;

Jordan - used in the manufacture of outerwear, which is associated with excellent water-repellent and breathable properties;

Velsoft - is used mainly in the creation of children's clothing and clothing for the home;

Taslan - also used in the production of outerwear, has good breathability, high strength, and is heavier than nylon.

Polyamide is quite often used as one of the components in the creation of other fabrics. The fiber in question has (in most cases) a rough surface. Polyamide is made from recycled plastics made from coal, oil and other modern industrial products.

Advantages

High strength - the polyamide thread has a microscopically small thickness (only 2 times the thickness of a human hair), while it can withstand a load weighing 1.5 kg;

Aesthetic appearance - polyamide - wrinkle-free synthetic fabric that perfectly retains its shape under any conditions;

Good water-repellent properties - polyamide dries almost 3 times faster than materials made of cotton;

Durability - polyamide is not afraid of intensive use - it easily tolerates frequent bends, does not wear out, does not lose its original color, etc.;

Fire safety - the material is not subject to combustion, and at high temperatures the polyamide only melts;

Ease of care - easy to wash, does not shrink.

disadvantages

High thermal conductivity - polyamide fabric is difficult to combine with heating materials;

Electrification - polyamide intensively accumulates static electricity (up to the generation of sparks);

Sensitivity to greasy dirt - when a substance with fat in the composition gets on the fabric, a hard-to-remove stain appears;

Weak hygroscopicity - polyamide is not able to absorb moisture;

Poor thermal stability - when exposed to temperatures above + 40 ° C, creases appear on the polyamide, it becomes hard.

Polyester: features, properties, application

Polyester, in fact, is the result of refining petroleum products. The production process of this fabric is represented by several stages:

Removal of essential substances from oil;

Getting polystyrene from them;

Synthesis from polystyrene polyester;

Creation of polyester fibers by melting and cooling the polymer;

Creation of fabric by weaving threads.

When choosing suitable things, many try to give preference to natural materials, unfairly bypassing polyester. In fact, this fabric is not only practical to wear, but also absolutely safe, comfortable to touch and has a very affordable price. By the way, the presence of the inscription "100% polyester" on the product label does not limit the appearance and properties of the item. It all depends primarily on the shape of the fibers used in the production of the material, the type of weaving, chemical composition raw materials.

Depending on the production technology of polyester, wool, viscose, etc. are added to it. As a result, fabrics are obtained that are completely different from each other, although they are considered polyester. It is for this reason that the material can be as thin as lace, dense as natural knitwear, warm as wool or smooth as elastane.

Advantages

resistance to wear - the polyester fiber used in the creation of polyester perfectly "resists" friction, stretching and other loads;

Resistance to deformation - polyester practically does not wrinkle even with intense squeezing;

Ease of care - polyester does not require special washing and ironing conditions;

A variety of textures and colors - polyester can have almost any texture and shade;

Lightweight - most polyester varieties are very lightweight;

Good water-repellent properties - this avoids quick wetting of the fabric and the appearance of stains on it;

Affordable price - polyester is much cheaper than most natural fabrics;

Low elasticity - the fabric does not stretch much and retains its original shape perfectly.

disadvantages

Electrification - since we are talking about synthetics, things can accumulate dust and fit too tightly to the skin, creating discomfort;

Stiffness - because of which, again, discomfort may arise (therefore, for example, cotton is added to the composition);

Allergen - we are talking only about those products, the creation of which was not followed by the technology. That is why it is worth thinking twice before buying very cheap polyester items;

Excessive density - due to this property, polyester clothes are not particularly comfortable to wear in a hot season.

Comparative characteristics

Traditional debriefing: Our experts conducted a thorough comparison of the two materials and made a detailed comparison. The result is in the table.

	Polyamide	Polyester
Strength		Moderate
Resistant to moisture
Life time	Durable	Durable
Connectivity with natural fabrics	Rarely combined with natural materials	Excellent contact with natural fibers, which creates a delicate fabric with excellent performance characteristics
Air permeability
Price		Moderate

Polyamide is a widespread synthetic. It is practically never used in its 100% form. Fiber is mixed with others, artificial or natural, to improve the quality characteristics of the product at the output.

It is difficult to name a specific date for the discovery of polyamide. The reason is that it is a generic name for a material group.

The first of these was nylon, created in the 1930s at the DuPont chemical company. It was originally intended for the production of tires. Later, nylon was included in the light industry, where it soon took a strong position.

By the 60s of the XX century, polyamide fabrics were established as an independent type of synthetic fabrics.

At present, the international marking of the material is accepted. According to it, the letter designation of all polyamides is RA. Different numbers are added to the marking, depending on the type of fiber (PA6, PA6.6, PA12, etc.).

Features of the composition and production

The raw material for this canvas is organic. It can be oil, gas or natural coal.

The fabric is made in three stages:

1. Synthesis. In the process, caprolactam is obtained from benzene.
2. Formation. Caprolactam is polymerized into the desired polymer.
3. Textile processing. The material is "stretched" into fibers from which yarns are made.

Processing is carried out by one of the methods:

• extrusion;
• mold polymerization;
• pressing;
• injection molding;
• vacuum forming;
• pneumatic formation.

To achieve such advantages as water resistance, fire resistance, etc., various chemical compounds (acids, chlorides) are used in the processing of synthetics.

Polyamide properties

The fabric is practical and has a wide variety of options. Its surface can be smooth or rough, matte or glossy. With all the variety, the canvas has a number of common strengths and weaknesses.

The advantages of polyamide

The material stands out for the following advantages:

• Strength. With a thickness not much more than a human hair, the polyamide thread can withstand a load of up to one and a half kilograms.
• Elasticity. The fiber stretches well and at the same time keeps its shape unchanged.
• Polyamide products dry many times faster than cotton products.
• Fire safety. At high temperatures, the fabric does not burn, but only melts.
• Resistant to sunlight. Polyamide does not fade and does not shed for a long time.
• Resistant to fungus.
• Resistant to corrosion by alkalis and sea salt.
• Softness. The canvas is pleasant to the touch.
• Ease.
• Practicality in operation. The material does not wrinkle or shrink. It is easy to wash.
• Simplicity and flexibility in coloring in any color.
• Attractive appearance.

Cons of polyamide

• Low hygroscopicity. The fiber does not absorb moisture.
• High thermal conductivity. Polyamide clothing does not warm or cool, the body “does not breathe”.
• Low temperature resistance. The material "wrinkles" at a temperature of 40 degrees.
• A tendency to build up static electricity. Products "sparkle" unpleasantly.
• Exposure to grease contamination. It is very difficult to remove such stains from things.
• Difficulty in cutting. The canvas "crumbles".
• Allergic reactions are possible. Some people's skin may be sensitive to these synthetics.

Types of fabrics and their area of ​​application

Polyamide is available in a variety of options today. The variety is due to the method of preparation and composition. The most popular are:

• nylon;
• nylon;
• anides;
• taslan;
• jordan;
• velsoft;
• tactel.

The general positive properties of the fiber allow its use in the following industries:

• easy;
• food;
• mining and petrochemical;
• medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Polyamide canvases are used to create:

• tires and other rubber equipment;
• ropes, ropes;
• fishing nets, woods;
• tourist equipment;
• sportswear;
• stage costumes;
• professional robes, overalls, etc .;
• jackets and raincoats (they don't get wet);
• underwear;
• hosiery;
• leather goods (bags, wallets, etc.);
• fur;
• carpets and rugs;
• knitting yarn.

Nylon

This synthetic is the most durable and lightweight at the same time.

It is actively used in the production of rubber items, tights, sports and stage costumes.

Anides

This is a kind of nylon. It is distinguished by the best paintability and heat resistance.

Abroad it is in demand in all branches of the light industry.

Nylon

Most popular. Appreciated for its lightness.

Common for sewing leggings, tights, sweaters, turtlenecks, etc.

Taslan

Differs in maximum thermal conductivity combined with strength. These characteristics are provided by a special porous seamy side of the fabric.

Due to these characteristics, it is suitable for sewing clothes for the winter.

Jordan

The fabric is soft, smooth, breathable and water repellent.

Outerwear is often made from Jordan.

Velsoft

The material is gentle to the touch, breathable and does not wear off.

Has a wide range of uses. Popular in home textiles and all types of clothing. Manufacturers "start up" velsoft on trousers and skirts, sweaters and overalls, robes and towels, carpets and bedspreads.

Taktel

The material has a two-layer structure and the highest possible positive characteristics. Good air permeability.

Involved in hosiery production.

How to care for polyamide fabrics?

• You can wash in a typewriter, it is advisable to set the temperature no higher than 40 degrees.
• Do not use emollients. Otherwise, the polyamide will lose its water-repellent properties.
• An intensive spin is not required.
• An iron and ironing table are also not required. If necessary, you can iron, but on a gentle mode and without steam.