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SAI International School
Class – VIII
Subject – Chemistry
Topic – SYNTHETIC FIBRES AND PLASTICS
Sub-Topic – Polyester and Acrylic
LESSON NOTES
POLYESTER:
Polyester is a polymer of many repeating ‘ester’ units.
Esters are the organic chemical substances which give
sweet fruity smell.
Polyester is manufactured from petroleum products
called as Petrochemicals.
When molten polyester is forced through the tiny holes of a spinneret, thin polyester threads
are formed.
The polyester yarns can then be woven to make fabrics.
Polyester fibres are stronger and also softer than nylon
fibres.
Terylene is a popular polyester fibre.
PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), the commonly used
polyester, is made from two monomers by condensation polymerization.
Properties of Polyester:
Polyester fibres are extremely strong, elastic, durable and are resistant to most chemicals.
Polyester fibres are extremely fine and are wrinkle resistant.
Polyester does not absorb water, so it dries quickly.
Due to these properties, synthetic fibres are much more superior to natural fibres like
cotton, wool and silk.
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