In todays world, one cannot think without polymers at each aspect of life. After agriculture sector, the Textile has taken its own position as 2nd largest Industries for the obvious reason of human need. Today Textile does not mean only appeal or just simply dhoti/ sarees , but it has penetrated at each fieldi.e. in Industrial usages , High ways & road constructions, buildings ,railway trucks, decorative fabrics, medical Textile , Technical textiles and what not.


For every factor, polymers are required and at some areas it has become essential.Today it is gradually by passing natural fibres like cotton, jute etc because of their limitations in growing and are unable to fulfil such huge requirements in the world of Textile.


The polymers in Textile in not a new thing. Since the inception of Nylon in the year 1930, it captured a large portion of Industrial yarn and fabrics such as wall ropes, belts , tyre cords and then in house hold use such as sarees,swimming costumes etc. Gradually polyester arrived in 1970 and conquered the world of Textile for its own several positive properties.


This paper described the polyester in apparel in comparison to natural fibre such as cotton, then its usage in Highways and railways trucks with gross advantages.


The Advantages and Disadvantages of Polyester vs. Natural Fibres


Advantages



Polymers

Natural

Life of finished product

More

Less

Fabric strength

Higher

Not that higher

Outlook

better

comparatively less

Scopes in Elaborate Styles /designs

More such as micro, Semi-dull, full dull, bright, super bright, bicomponents, easy dye, Cataonic dyes.

In natural fibres, all such varieties are yet to capture.

Fabric manufacturing cost

Less

high because of wdg, warping, Sizing

Operational advantages (wvg)

Easier

Needs humidification, better preparation if goes for High reed/pick and high speed.

Wet process

Easier

Higher exp. because of de-sizing, scouring &bleaching.

Daily maintenance of dress

Easier

Requires more washing, ironing, etc.

Col. Fastness

Better

Comparatively less

 

Industrial /Domestic/Furnishing Application



Polymers

Natural

Furnishing fabrics

More acceptable

Less

Uphole staring

More acceptable

Less

Interior Decorations in Aerospace

Polyester only

Not Applicable

Driving /transmission belts

Polyester only

Not Applicable

Tyre cords

Polyester only

Not Applicable

Road/railways construction

Polyester only

Not Applicable

Packing materials

Polyester captured

Old hessian bags are replaced by polymers

Fishing nets

High denier polyester

Not Applicable

Tarpaulin fab for covering

Polymer captured

Gradually Reducing

Umbrella cloth

Polymer captured

It is old days now.

Ropes

More in use especially for coarser yarn packing.

Still in use for small areas of packing.

Floor Carpets

More

Less (mainly coir)


Disadvantages



Polymers

Natural

Initial Cost of Raw Material

Higher

Lesser as it is available in natural resource.

Comfort in Wearing

Not so comfortable (Micro fibre is better in comfort)

Comfortable especially in Summer and daily Wearing.

Moisture Absorbing

Hence less use in Towel

More use in Towel


 

*Physical Properties



Polymers

Natural

Strength

4.0 grms/ den

2.5 grms/count

E%

20-24 depending on end use

15% of similar range

Twist range

Can go for high twist (Up to 3500tpm)

Cannot to that high range

Hairiness

Nil

Main constrain in cotton (for that purpose yarn preparation is required)

U%

within 1%

above 15%

Bursting strength

More

Less

Tearing strength

More

Less

Abrasion resistance

High

Less

Drape

Less

High ( More Rigid )

Air permeability

Better depending upon den/twist/micro.

For similar construction it is less.

*Considering similar type of fabric and construction.


Conclusions


  • The polymers are gradually taking away more areas in our domestic / Industrial life for its own advantages.
  • Natural fibres although slight cheaper at present, but will be costlier in future and polymers will capture more areas.
  • Polymers have the multiple areas of application which natural fibres cannot.
  • In silk sarees also, polyester bright triobal is capturing which is having better life and cheaper.
  • Sasta and tikau can be given by polyesters and which is accepted by aam janta.