Nylon and polyester are two completely different fabrics that contain artificial threads. These materials appeared in different years of the last century and almost immediately began to be used for sewing various products. They have their advantages and disadvantages, similarities and differences. An idea of the composition and properties of each material will help to competently approach the choice of things from synthetics.
Material Properties
The nylon obtained by artificial means served in due time as a replacement for silk fabrics. At first, parachutes and various products for army needs were sewn from such material. Over time, the fabric began to be used for sewing men's and women's clothing, as well as for upholstering various interior items.
Adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine are used as raw materials for producing nylon. As a result of mixing, these components form a salt, which is then combined with the solvent and heated. The result of this process is the formation of polyamide, which is a type of plastic. From it is made the material that goes on sewing things. Although nylon is a completely artificial material, it is environmentally friendly.
Other advantages of nylon:
- Fabrics from it are not amenable to tearing and stretching.
- After deformation, the material returns to its original form;
- Such fabrics are easy to care for;
- Not affected by bacteria causing mold and fungus;
- Products from it are light in weight.
Nylon fabric is a thin and lightweight fabric that resembles silk fabric in appearance, but at a much lower price.
Among the negative properties of nylon, the following characteristics can be noted.
- Clothing made of this material is airtight, has poor absorption, which contributes to increased sweating. In the hot season, such clothes are uncomfortable.
- Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the composition of matter deteriorates, and the fabric spreads.
- During wear, clothing made from this fabric sparkles and is electrified.
- Nylon clothing may cause an allergic reaction.
The raw material for the manufacture of polyester is polyester. The main material for making polyester is oil. An intermediate product of its processing is polystyrene, on the basis of which polyester is made, and then polyester. This material is one of the most common, it is used for sewing clothes, bags, sports equipment, underwear, etc. Polymer fibers are used as a filler for pillows and blankets, soft toys.
This fabric has a number of positive qualities:
- coloring does not fade with time and under the influence of sunlight;
- not wrinkled;
- durable and wear resistant;
- just look after her;
- It is resistant to mold and mildew.
Negative properties include the following characteristics:
- hard material;
- airtight;
- causes a reaction to allergy-prone skin;
- if improperly looked after, quickly loses its appearance.
Like nylon, polyester sparks and is electrified. But this is easily eliminated with an antistatic agent.
Similarities and differences
The characteristics of these two fabrics are very similar. Both materials are reliable, resistant to wear, resistant to various bleaches, bacteria and moth larvae. If you properly care for clothes made of these materials, the fabric retains its appearance for a long time. Clothing from these materials does not need to be worn constantly, because it is characterized by poor absorption and promotes intense sweating, and in some cases causes allergies.
Nylon differs from polyester in lightness and durability. If you take the same cut of these fabrics, you can see that nylon is much lighter. There are several more differences between the materials.
- Fabrics vary in raw material composition. If adipic acid derivatives are used for the production of nylon, petroleum products are used for the production of polyester.
- Water resistant. Nylon is fully waterproof. Polyester leaks a little fluid.
- The difference is in the texture of the materials. Polyester has a rough surface and nylon has a smoother surface.
- Under the influence of solar radiation, nylon changes its external characteristics, and polyester retains its composition and does not change color.
Polyester is much warmer than nylon, various heaters are made from it, the most famous of which is a synthetic winterizer.
It is easy to confuse things from nylon and polyester with each other, because manufacturers use several types of threads in the production process of fabric. The use of a variety of fibers makes it possible to obtain a durable product with the best physical and operational qualities. Together with nylon and polyester, viscose, acrylic and cotton fiber are often mixed.
What to choose?
Nylon and polyester are very durable fabrics, they do not deform and serve for several years. They are characterized by poor water and air permeability, because of this they are not suitable for sewing summer things. At the same time, these are the best materials for sewing outerwear.
Since polyester is still able to let a little moisture through, it is better to choose outerwear from nylon. From polyester it is better to buy summer bombers and bathing suits. The material does not change under the influence of ultraviolet light and breathes a little. When buying accessories, for example, a bag, you need to remember that it will be much easier from nylon. But at the same time, bags made of polyester will be more durable, and some manufacturers cover them with water and dirt-repellent impregnation.
The quality of the material is not always considered a decisive factor when choosing a thing. Products from these fabrics can last quite a long time (up to 15 years), but over time they go out of fashion and after 2-3 years you want to buy another thing.
The pros and cons are described in detail in the video below.
The properties of polyester can be found in the second video.
