Description
Like other manmade fibers, polyester fibers are produced using industrial methods and because of their properties are good substitutes for such natural fibers as cotton. This product is made by combining dimethyl terephthalate, monoethylene glycol or terephthalic acid (substitute for the raw material “dimethyl terephthalate”) in the vicinity of good catalysts. Titanium dioxide is used to make the product look semi-dull. Also, in the production process, the product is submerged in finish (of about 0.150%) prior to packaging. The following are some of the major characteristics of this product.
Ktex | Shrinkage Dry | Elongation | Tenacity | Crimps/Decimeter | Product Category | Detex | Product |
gr/m | % | % | gr/dtex | Quantity | gr/10000m | Units | |
Max 7.8 | Min 22 | Min 4.6 | 38±۲ | Bright Semi dull dull | 1.4±۰٫۰۴ | ۱٫۴ Detex staple | |
Max 8.6 | Min 22 | Min 3.4 | 35±۵ | Bright Semi dull dull | 3.3±۰٫۱ | ۳٫۳ Detex staple | |
Max 4 | Min 42 | Min 2.8 | 28±۵ | Bright Semi dull dull | 6.0±۰٫۸ | ۶ Detex staple | |
90 | Max 3.5 | Min 26 | Min 2.38 | 38±۴٫۵ | Bright Semi dull dull | 3.4±۰٫۱۸ | Antipil strip |
Production Process and Packaging
Polyester polymer is produced by the esterification process with monoethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate in the presence of catalysts and at a particular temperature and pressure in a chemical process with three reactors at the Polymerizer Area.
Picture1 Control Room, Polymerizer Area
The end polymer produced with a high viscosity by polymerized is directed via a screw pump to the spinning machine made up of 64 positions where melt spinning is in progress. Then, for filtration and streamlining of polymer chains, polymer is carried in a uniform stream supplied by metering pumps to a series of packs.
Picture2. Spinning Machine, Diffusers and Polyester Fiber Finishers
Then, it passes the spinnerettes fitted beneath each pack, converting into super thin filaments. Still molten, the filaments passing the quenching air current blown by diffusers on the fibers, are cooled and when physically fixed, are emptied into cylindrical containers referred to as “cans”.
Picture3. Spinning Machine, Rolling Guides and Fiber Streamlined into Cans
Picture 4 Filled Cans Area
Improved physically and mechanically, the fibers are spun, drawn and then crimped to bring the qualities closer to natural fibers characteristics. To fix the properties and dry, the staple tops are passed through the dryer and then finished to improve their processibility.
Picture 5 Drawing Machine
Picture 6 Staple tops being fed into the dryer to fix their properties
Finished and checked for lab characteristics, the fibers are cut to customized lengths and then baled
Picture 7 Staple Cutter and Baler
Picture 8 Image of a finished bale
Standards and Test Methods Observed
National Iranian Standard 2739
World Production History: Produce Companies or Countries
There are a multitude of companies actively engaged in the production of these fibers. Among others, reference can be made to E. I. Du Pont & De. Nemour, USA, Havis & Slone in Korea, and SASA in Turkey