Polyester felt
Description
A mechanically bonded, non-woven fabric composed of Polyester. Polyester felt is thick, and soft. It is used for cushioning in containers and drawers. The texture minimizes the shifting of objects. General Properties:
Composition: Typically made from 100% polyester fibers. Manufacturing: Created by needle-punching or other methods to entangle the fibers, forming a dense, matted structure. Texture: Has a slightly fuzzy, soft surface. Durability: Resistant to tearing, fraying, and stretching. Easy Care: Often machine-washable and resists shrinking. Cost-effective: Generally less expensive than wool felt. Wide range of colors: Polyester fibers can be easily dyed, offering a diverse color palette. Specific Properties:
Strength: Good tensile strength, meaning it can withstand pulling forces. Resilience: Resists wrinkling and creasing. Abrasion resistance: Can withstand rubbing and wear. Dimensional stability: Holds its shape well. Heat resistance: Generally has good heat resistance, but the specific temperature tolerance varies depending on the type of polyester felt. Some types can withstand temperatures up to 300°F (150°C). Chemical resistance: Resistant to many chemicals, including acids and alkalis. Moisture resistance: Polyester fibers are hydrophobic, meaning they don't absorb much water. This makes polyester felt resistant to mildew and mold. UV resistance: Has good resistance to fading from sunlight. Advantages of Polyester Felt:
Affordability: Compared to wool felt, polyester felt is more budget-friendly. Colorfastness: Holds its color well, even after washing. Hypoallergenic: Polyester fibers are not known to cause allergic reactions. Versatility: Can be used in a wide range of applications, from crafts to industrial uses. Limitations of Polyester Felt:
Not as warm as wool: Polyester felt doesn't have the same insulating properties as wool felt. Can be less soft than wool: While polyester felt is soft, some people find it not as luxurious as wool felt. Overall, polyester felt is a practical and versatile material that offers a good balance of properties, making it a popular choice for various applications.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Polyester Polyfelt Liner; White Polyfelt Liner
Note: the name 'Polyfelt' is registered by TenCate for a geotextile made from non-woven, continuous fibers of polypropylene.
Risks
- Chemically inert
Forms and Sizes
Available in rolls and sheets. Thicknesses of 1/8" 1/4" and 1/2" are available.
Resources and Citations
- Safe Plastics and Fabrics for Exhibit and Storage, Conserve O Gram 18/2, National Park Service, September 2010.