You have a project that requires a unique thread. Polyester and polypropylene are common go-to’s. But that doesn’t mean they’re interchangeable. Here’s a brief overview that asks if it’s polypropylene versus polyester, which best suits your project.
Polyester
Polyester is probably the dominant material in fabric and yarn treatment. The name is a term for a variety of textiles and fabrics. It’s a polyethylene terephthalate, a synthetic polymer. Its compound is a mixture of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. The material’s known for its high tenacity and strength, as well as its creep resistance. Creep resistance is critical in Geotextiles and when load is on a piece of fabric.
Polyester is noted for its higher melting point and resistance to a majority of chemicals. It retains color better, promising a more resilient fabric that resists UV rays. Strong and lightweight, polyester is unlikely to stretch, shrink, wrinkle, or fall victim to abrasions.
Polypropylene
A polypropylene thread is used for landscape fabrics, sewing textiles, silt fences, blankets, upholstery, and clothing, to name a few. While the material probably has half the durability of polyester, it’s known for its bacteria, acid, and solvent resistance. This is why it’s used in laboratory clothing gear, as well as the aforementioned productions.
Polypropylene is a hydrophobic alloy, meaning it absorbs less water and dries faster, as well as has a low coefficient of friction. Due to its semi-crystalline nature, the material contains high flexural strength. Polypropylene is popular in injection molding, fiber applications, and provides a range of uses in carpets, ropes, and the like. It is also relatively inexpensive to deploy.
The bottom line? If you’re in need of material to wear next to the skin and has the capacity to keep the skin dry, consider polypropylene. While polyester is also capable of drying quickly, it’s easier to care for, launder, better manage UVs. To learn more, contact Belton Industries.
