Technology
The modification of polyester is an important item in the research of fibers that have new characteristics and new performances. This fiber is the most spread among the chemical fibers and it has reached an high maturity, so it must differentiate, extend the range of its applications, increase its margins. There was recently a big increase in interest for the Corterra fiber (the mark of the Royal Dutch-Shell Group) and in general for those fibers marked as PTT (polytrimethylene terephthalate). The fiber is got through polycondensation of PTA (purified terephthalic acid) and PDO (1,3 propanediol), which is chemically obtained by the Shell group and that is biochemically obtained by DuPont. The PTT fiber is considered to be the most important fiber of the after-polyester period, and they (Shell) think to reach a production of over one million tons, also including those products that are different from fibers. Shell has given its license to produce textile fibers from the polymer to some operators of different geographic areas.
PTT fibres
PTT Fiber Characteristics
PTT is an advanced polymer that can be spun into fibers. The fibers and yarns have a unique combination of properties including stretch and recovery, softness, bulk, and easy dye. Fabrics produced from PTT fibers and yarns clean easily and have superior durability.
PTT unifies the main and best characteristics of nylon and polyester for the most disparate applications, even if today the most characteristic ones concern carpets and car- and house-fittings.
As regards to other synthetic fibers, PTT ones are softer, are easier to be dyed, keep vivid colours longer, lose their shape easier and as easier go back to their original shape. They also are better dirty-resistant, are easier to be cleaned and dry quickly.
If we analyze the macromolecular structure of PTT, we can notice the structural and substantial differences with the fibers of PET.
