Material Properties of Polyester Forming Fabrics
A forming fabric woven from polyester material is called a polyester forming fabric. Currently, all forming fabrics among synthetic fabrics are made of polyester monofilaments and nylon monofilaments. The properties of these two commonly used fibers are described below.
Polyester
Polyester monofilaments are generally made by melt spinning polyester, which is synthesized through the polycondensation of diols and aromatic dicarboxylic acids. Also known as polyethylene terephthalate, they boast excellent heat resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical stability, high strength, and high elasticity. Polyester has a relative density of 1.414 g/cm² and a melting point of 257℃. Its wet strength retention rate is 100%, and its moisture absorption rate is only 0.3% at 20℃. Its strength barely decreases when exposed to sunlight. Moreover, it has outstanding corrosion resistance, good acid and alkali resistance, excellent organic solvent resistance, and superior wear resistance (second only to polyamide).
Polyamide (Commonly Known as Nylon)
Nylon-66 (also referred to as polyamide-66 fiber) is the primary type used in papermaking fabrics. Nylon-66 has a relative density of 0.90 g/cm² and a melting point of 255℃. Its wet strength retention rate is 85%, and its moisture absorption rate is 3.5% at 20℃. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause certain degradation. It is resistant to weak acids, but dissolves in concentrated acids with partial decomposition, and has excellent wear resistance.
