The key difference between polyester and satin is that polyester is a specific type of fiber useful in making a fabric, whereas satin is a specific type of weave.
Polyester and satin are two important materials having a wide variety of uses in the apparel industry for the manufacture of different textile items.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Polyester
3. What is Satin
4. Polyester vs Satin in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Polyester vs Satin
What is Polyester?
Polyester is made from a chemical reaction that involves petroleum, air, and water. It is an artificial fiber consisting of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) and mono-ethylene glycol (MEG). Polyester can be described as a thermoplastic material, which means we can melt it and reform it into other forms.
For the production of polyester, chemists tend to melt polyester pellets and force them through small holes known as spinnerets. At the exit of spinnerets, the continuous filaments of polyester fiber solidify. The factors that dictate the size and shape of the fibers are the size and shape of the hole. There are no void spaces inside the fibers. These continuous filaments are known as “tow.” We can cut them into any length to produce staple fibers to be used in textiles and nonwovens. We can also leave them as continuous monofilaments which appear like fishing lines.
Typically, polyesters are hydrophobic. Therefore, this fiber does not absorb perspiration or other fluids. It leaves the wearer moist and with a clammy feel. Moreover, polyester fibers usually have a low level of wicking. This material is stronger than cotton and has a great ability to stretch.
What is Satin?
Satin is a type of fabric weave that can produce a characteristically glossy, smooth, or lustrous material, with a glossy top surface and a dull back. There are three fundamental types of textile weaves: plain weave, twill weave, and satin weave.
We can characterize satin weaves by four or more fill or weft yarns floating over a warp yarn alongside four warp yarns floating over a single weft yarn. We can name floats as missed interfacings. The floats explain the high luster and even sheen that is not observable in other weaves. The light is not scattered as much in hitting the fibers. This results in a strong reflection.
Commonly, satin is useful in clothing, e.g., lingerie, nightgowns, blouses, and evening gowns. It is also useful in manufacturing boxer shorts, shirts, and neckties. In addition, we can use satin in the production of pointe shoes to be used in ballet. Apart from that, satin is used for furnishing fabrics, upholstery, and bed sheets.
There are different types of satin, including antique satin, charmeuse, cuttanee, duchess satin, faconne, farmer’s satin, slipper satin, sultan, surf satin, etc.
What is the Difference Between Polyester and Satin?
Polyester and satin are important substrates for the products that come in the textile industry. The key difference between polyester and satin is that polyester is a specific type of fiber useful in making a fabric, whereas satin is a specific type of weave. Moreover, polyester is very durable whereas the durability of satin depends on the type of fiber and proper care.
The following table summarizes the difference between polyester and satin.
Summary – Polyester vs Satin
Polyester is an artificial fabric made from a chemical reaction that involves petroleum, air, and water. Satin is a type of fabric weave that can produce a characteristically glossy, smooth, or lustrous material with a glossy top surface and a dull back. The key difference between polyester and satin is that polyester is a specific type of fiber useful in making a fabric, whereas satin is a specific type of weave.
Reference:
1. “Know Your Fibers: The Difference between Polyester and Cotton.” Barnhardt Purified Cotton, 19 Aug. 2019.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Polyester” (CC0) via Pxhere
2. “Satin bedding” By Jwrusa & Kjoonlee – Cropped from PD image. (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia