How is polyester fibre prepared? Why do polyester clothes dry quickly after washing as compared to cotton clothes? Give two uses of polyester.
A polyester fibre is prepared by reacting a dicarboxylic acid with a dihydric alcohol. The reaction between acid groups and alcohol jumps of these two compounds leads to the formation of a long-chain polymer called polyester. A typical polyester fibre is terylene.
Polyester fibres absorb very little water due to which polyester clothes dry quickly after washing. On the other hand, cotton fibres absorb a lot of water due to which cotton clothes do not dry quickly after washing.
Uses :
(i) Polyester fibres are used in the manufacture of textiles like sarees, dress materials and curtains.
(ii) Polyester fibres are used for making sails of sail boats and water hoses for fire fighting operations.
