Polyester is characterized by good breathability and moisture-wicking properties. It also has strong resistance to acid and alkali, as well as UV protection capabilities. Nylon is a polyamide fiber. Its advantages include high strength, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, good deformation resistance, and anti-aging properties. However, it has a relatively stiff texture. Some well-known brands include PERTEX and CORDURA.

How can we differentiate between them in daily life?

Polyester has a strong imitation silk feel and bright luster, but it is not as soft, and it has a shiny effect. It has a smooth and flat texture, with a pleasant and elastic touch. When tightly pinched and released, there are no apparent creases on the fabric. When wet, both in the warp and weft directions, it is not easily torn. Nylon has a relatively dull luster, with a surface that feels like it has been waxed, and the colors are not vibrant. It has a stiff and firm texture, and when tightly pinched and released, it forms creases that slowly recover. It has high yarn fastness in both the warp and weft directions.

Performance of Nylon

It has high strength and excellent abrasion resistance, ranking first among all fibers. Its abrasion resistance is 10 times that of cotton fiber, 10 times that of dry viscose fiber, and 140 times that of wet fiber. Therefore, it has excellent durability. Nylon fabric has excellent elasticity and elastic recovery but is prone to deformation under slight external force, resulting in wrinkles and folds during wear. It has poor ventilation and breathability and is prone to static electricity.

Among synthetic fiber fabrics, nylon has relatively good moisture absorption, making garments made of nylon more comfortable to wear compared to polyester garments. It has good resistance to moth and corrosion. However, its heat and light resistance are not as good, and the ironing temperature should be controlled below 140°C. Care should be taken in the washing and maintenance process to avoid damaging the fabric. Nylon fabric is a lightweight fabric, ranking only after polypropylene and acrylic fabrics among synthetic fiber fabrics, making it suitable for mountaineering clothing, winter clothing, and more.

Performance of Polyester

It has high strength. The short fiber strength is 2.6-5.7cN/dtex, and the high-strength fiber is 5.6-8.0cN/dtex. Due to its low moisture absorption, its wet strength is basically the same as its dry strength. Its impact strength is 4 times higher than nylon and 20 times higher than viscose fiber. It has good elasticity, similar to wool. When stretched by 5% to 6%, it can almost fully recover. It has better wrinkle resistance than other fibers, with good dimensional stability and an elastic modulus of 22-141cN/dtex, which is 2-3 times higher than nylon. It has good water absorption and abrasion resistance. Its abrasion resistance is second only to nylon, surpassing other natural and synthetic fibers, and its light resistance is second only to acrylic. It has good resistance to corrosion, including bleach, oxidants, hydrocarbons, ketones, petroleum products, and inorganic acids. It is resistant to weak alkalis, and mold, but can be decomposed by hot alkalis. Its dyeing performance is relatively poor.

Polyester fabric has poor moisture absorption, causing a stuffy feeling when worn, and it is prone to static electricity and easily attracts dust, affecting its appearance and comfort. However, it dries quickly after washing, and its wet strength hardly decreases, maintaining its shape well. It has good wash-and-wear properties. Polyester is the most heat-resistant fabric among synthetic fabrics, with a melting point of 260°C and an ironing temperature of up to 180°C. It is thermoplastic and can be used to make pleated skirts with long-lasting pleats. At the same time, polyester fabric has poor melt resistance and can form holes when exposed to cigarette ash, sparks, etc. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid contact with cigarette butts, sparks, and other heat sources. Polyester fabric has good light resistance, surpassing natural fiber fabrics except for acrylic. Especially when placed behind glass, its resistance to sunlight is excellent, almost comparable to acrylic. Polyester fabric has good resistance to various chemicals. It is not significantly damaged by acids, and alkalis, and is resistant to mildew and moth. It has good wrinkle resistance and shape retention, making it suitable for making outerwear.