Blog #7: FIBER TESTING AND PROPERTIES
Blog #7: FIBER TESTING AND PROPERTIES
Polypropylene Video
In this first video that I chose, I learned all about polypropylene. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer made from propylene monomers. It is a man-made fiber that is known to be lightweight, highly moisture resistant, and chemical resistant. The video begins talking about the differences in the structural composition of isotactic polypropylene (all methyl groups on the same side and in the same plane, syndiotactic polypropylene (methyl groups on alternate sides in the same plane), and atactic polypropylene (methyl groups distributed in random fashion on both sides of the plane). Isotactic polypropylene is usually used for fibers and plastics, and its high crystallinity makes it suitable for textile fibers having good strength. Syndiotactic and atactic polypropylene has very little crystallinity. The production of polypropylene starts with the polymerization stage, which can happen in a solution, mass, or gas phase. The end of the video discusses its common properties and applications. Some common uses for polypropylene include packing materials such as food containers and caps, carpets and rugs, reuseable shopping bags, ropes and outdoor furniture, and medical supplies (masks and syringes). In textiles this is often used for nonwoven fabrics and outdoor performance wear and thermal or base layers.
Polyester Video
The next video I watched talked about polyester. Polyester is a synthetic polymer made mainly from petroleum-based products like ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Polyester is another man-made fiber, known for being strong and durable, wrinkle resistant, moisture and heat resistant, and dimensionally stable. The video begins by introducing the background information. Polyester is originally produced from polyethylene terephthalate or PET polymer, and it has a molecular weight of PET polymer: 20,000-40,000. Polyester production can be done in two; first, from purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) or second, from Dimethylterephthalate (DMT). Polymerization of polyester can be differentiated depending on whether it is in the first step: Transesterification or Esterification or second step: Polycondensation. In the video we can see the structural build of the process. The two-step process is an advantage because it keeps the raw materials during polymerization in equimolar (1:1) proportion. There is also a higher speed of reactions, better thermal stability of melt, good colour of polymer and better drawability. The process of production includes the Batch vs Continuous Processes. The video concludes, similar to the first, with the properties of polyester (density-1.38, moisture regain - 0.4 at 65%rh, breaking tenacity- 3-10, softening and melting temp - 22-230 and 255-265. Some common uses for polyester and its applications include clothing such as sportwear and jackets, upholstery, bedding, plastic bottles, and industrial fibers.
ONE STEP FURTHER:
For my one step further, I dove deeper into the applications differences between these two man-made fibers and what the reason was for their production. In short, polypropylene is a performance focused moisture fiber, while polyester is more versatile, durable fiber. Polypropylene is used in interior design for rugs and carpet usually in basements and playrooms. It can resist mold and mildew and is ideal for high traffic areas. This results in its use for outdoor furniture and upholstery. Polyester is more known for applications in upholstery inside and curtains or drapery. Its strength and durability can be used as decorative elements, also carpets and rugs and even acoustic applications. Both fibers were created because man decided there was too limited resources of natural fibers. Before synthetic fibers were created, they relied on wool, cotton, silk, and linen but these fibers limitations in stability, cost, quality, and durability lead to the need to create something that was more accessible and fit the needs they were having. Across history these man-made fibers grew more and more popular and useful and were manufactured more to fit the specific necessities. Economic reasons also had a huge effect as the industrial scale demand grew and the performance quality lead to higher prices. As a solution, synthetic fibers offered control, performance, and affordability.
References (Videos and Additional Sources)
Mixing liquids Multicolor Paints Bright Abstract Background video | Footage | Screensaver
Polypropylene vs Polyester: Best Material for Manufacturing
Polyester Vs. Polypropylene – What’s The Difference? - The Creative Folk
This is a very informative post. The one step further is very helpful. The article explanations are thorough- great job!
ReplyDeleteHi Grace, I really enjoyed reading your blog this week. I thought the information you provided us with about polypropylene and polyester was very informative. I also liked how you did some comparison of the two in your one step further section, it really helped me differentiate between the two. I found a scholarly article for you that discusses the recent developments in PET recycling. This article does a great job specifying the challenges in solving recycling problems regarding PET. There are some great charts and diagrams in this source as well. I hope you enjoy this reference!
ReplyDeleteBartolome, L., Imran, M., Cho, B. G., Al-Masry, W. A., & Kim, D. H. (2012). Recent developments in the chemical recycling of PET. Material recycling-trends and perspectives, 406, 576-596.