Distinguish between nylon and polyester fabric

Part 1: Polyester

Polyester, also known as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), is characterized by its good breathability and moisture-wicking properties. It also has strong resistance to acids and alkalis, as well as UV resistance. Fabrics with multiples of 75D, such as 75D, 150D, 300D, 600D, 1200D, and 1800D, are typically polyester. The surface of polyester fabric is generally duller and rougher compared to nylon.

Part 2: Nylon

Nylon, also known as polyamide fiber, is noted for its high strength, high abrasion resistance, excellent chemical resistance, and good resilience against deformation and aging. However, it has a relatively stiff feel. Well-known brands include PERTEX and CORDURA. Fabrics with multiples of 70D, such as 70D, 210D, 420D, 840D, and 1680D, are typically made of nylon. Nylon fabric has a shinier appearance and a smoother feel compared to polyester.

Polyester vs. Nylon

Nylon generally has better elasticity. It can be dyed at a temperature of 100°C using neutral or acid dyes. While it has lower heat resistance compared to polyester, it has superior strength and is more resistant to pilling. Nylon is dyed at a temperature of 130°C (high temperature and high pressure) and typically baked below 200°C using the heat setting method.

Polyester's main feature is its excellent stability. Adding a small amount of polyester to clothing helps with wrinkle resistance and shape retention. However, it tends to generate static electricity and pill easily. Nonetheless, these drawbacks have been mitigated in modern, improved polyester variants.

Physical Properties

Generally, nylon Oxford fabric is used for making bags. The two materials have different feels: polyester feels rougher, while nylon feels smoother. Additionally, you can scratch the fabric with a fingernail—if it leaves a noticeable mark, it's polyester; if the mark is less noticeable, it's nylon. However, this method is not as straightforward and reliable as the burn test for distinguishing between the two.

Chemical Properties

The simplest way to distinguish between nylon and polyester is the burn test. Polyester produces thick black smoke, while nylon produces white smoke. Additionally, the residue left after burning is different: polyester crumbles when pressed, while nylon forms a plastic-like residue. In terms of cost, nylon is about twice as expensive as polyester.

• Nylon: When near a flame, it quickly shrinks and melts into a white, glue-like substance. It melts, drips, and bubbles when burning, without a flame. It is difficult to keep burning away from the flame and emits a celery-like smell. The cooled residue is a light brown, hard-to-crush molten material.

• Polyester: It ignites easily and melts and shrinks near a flame. While burning, it melts and produces black smoke with a yellow flame, emitting a sweetish smell. The ash is a black-brown hard lump that crumbles easily when pressed with fingers.

Performance Differences

In simple terms, nylon outperforms polyester in several aspects but is also more expensive. Nylon products excel in abrasion resistance, tensile strength, colorfastness, and luster compared to polyester products. Additionally, nylon is less prone to permanent creasing.

The main differences between fabrics made of polyester and fabrics made of nylon are:

1. Price: Nylon is generally about twice as expensive as polyester.

2. Texture: Nylon is smoother and softer than polyester.

3. Abrasion Resistance: Both nylon and polyester have similar levels of abrasion resistance.

4. Elasticity: Nylon has slight elasticity, while polyester has none.

5. Dyeing Difficulty: Nylon is more difficult to dye than polyester.

Material-related indices:

D: Denier, a unit used to measure the density of textile fibers, indicating the weight in grams of 9,000 meters of fiber (i.e., the lower the denier, the finer the fiber). The formula is D = G/L * 9000, where G is the fiber weight and L is the fiber length. Commonly used for measuring the strength of materials in backpack fabrics, with 450D and 500D being common ratings. Materials with a rating higher than 500D are typically used in high-wear areas such as the bottom of backpacks.

T: Tex, abbreviated as "T," is a unit used to measure the density of textile fibers, indicating the weight in grams of 1,000 meters of fiber or yarn at a standard moisture regain. The formula is T = G/L * 1000, where G is the fiber weight and L is the fiber length.

TX = Pre-shrink treatment; RS = Tear resistance; N = Nylon; P = Polyester fiber

TXN 1000: Extremely strong, durable, and abrasion-resistant fabric used in climbing-specific backpacks and areas of larger backpacks prone to friction. 

TXN 500: Fabric made from pre-shrunk nylon fibers, used in mountain trekking and lightweight backpacks. 

RSN 500 GRID: Fabric combining TXN 500 with black tear-resistant fibers in a mixed weave. 

RSN 500: Fabric woven with nylon fibers, similar to tear-resistant construction. 

TXP 900: Fabric made from 900 denier polyester fibers, used in areas prone to abrasion in trekking and small to medium-sized backpacks. 

TXP 600: Fabric made from long-lasting polyester fibers, known for its excellent feel and quality. 

RSP 600: Improved version of TXP 600 with tear-resistant fiber construction. 

SRN 420: Small-area nylon fabric with tear-resistant properties, used to increase fabric strength and reduce weight in technical backpacks. 

SRN 210: Small-area nylon fabric with tear-resistant properties, used in medium to large backpacks to reduce weight. 

MNP420: Fiber fabric with a metallic appearance. 1680 NYLON: Tough fabric commonly used in travel bags.

Pamina

Shanghai KIGI Textile CO.,Ltd

  Suzhou Office:Room 502 Nanhuadasha,Shengze Town Suzhou city

  ShangHai Office :206B, Building L1-A, Hongqiao World Center, Qingpu District, Shanghai

  Wechat: haopp1005

Email:pamina@norlandtextile.com
  Phone&Whatsapp:0086-15156072269