Terylene
Summary: Terylene is the trade name for PET polyester when used as a textile fibre. It is a condensation polymer made from ethane-1,2-diol and benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid. Used for clothing due to its strength, crease resistance, and quick-drying properties. Tags: igcse chemistry organic-chem polymers polyester Created: 2026-07-14 Last Updated: 2026-07-23
What Is Terylene?
Terylene is the fibre form of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) — a condensation polyester. Chemically identical to PET, Terylene is the brand name used when the polymer is extruded into fine fibres for textile use. In the US, it is known as Dacron.
Formation
See PET for the full chemical detail.
Terylene is made by condensation polymerisation of:
- Ethane-1,2-diol (HO—CH₂—CH₂—OH) — a diol
- Benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (HOOC—C₆H₄—COOH) — a dicarboxylic acid
Each ester linkage formed eliminates one molecule of water.
How Terylene Fibres Are Made
- PET polymer is synthesised by condensation polymerisation
- The molten PET is extruded through tiny holes in a spinneret
- The thin streams cool and solidify into continuous filaments
- The filaments are drawn (stretched) to align the polymer chains → increases strength
- The fibres are twisted together to form yarn
- The yarn is woven or knitted into fabric
Properties
| Property | Description | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Strong | High tensile strength | Aligned polymer chains in drawn fibres |
| Crease-resistant | Does not wrinkle easily | Polymer chains spring back to original shape |
| Quick-drying | Does not absorb much water | Non-polar regions, mostly hydrophobic |
| Lightweight | Low density | Organic polymer |
| Elastic | Stretches and recovers | Chains can extend slightly and recoil |
| Abrasion resistant | Does not wear out quickly | Strong covalent bonds in backbone |
| Thermoplastic | Softens when heated | Can be heat-set into pleats/creases |
| Moth and mildew resistant | Not attacked by insects/fungi | Not a natural fibre |
| Colourfast | Holds dye well | Dyes can be incorporated during extrusion |
Everyday Uses
| Use | Properties Exploited |
|---|---|
| Clothing (shirts, suits, dresses) | Crease-resistant, durable, colourfast |
| Sportswear / activewear | Lightweight, quick-drying, wicks moisture |
| Fleece jackets | Lightweight, warm (traps air), quick-drying |
| Curtains and upholstery | Crease-resistant, durable, colourfast |
| Carpets | Abrasion resistant, stain resistant |
| Sleeping bags (hollow fibre filling) | Lightweight, insulating, compressible |
| Sewing thread | Strong, colourfast, does not rot |
| Blended fabrics (polyester-cotton) | Combines comfort of cotton with durability of polyester |
Terylene Blends
Terylene is often blended with natural fibres:
- Polyester-Cotton (Polycotton): Cotton for comfort/breathability + polyester for durability/crease resistance
- Polyester-Wool: Wool for warmth + polyester for shape retention
Terylene vs PET
| PET | Terylene | |
|---|---|---|
| Same polymer? | Yes | Yes |
| Form | Moulded plastic (bottles) | Extruded fibre (textile) |
| Processing | Injection/blow moulded | Spun through spinneret |
| Appearance | Clear/transparent | Opaque fibre |
| Uses | Bottles, containers | Clothing, furnishing |
Key Facts
- Terylene = PET in fibre form — chemically identical
- Made by condensation polymerisation (diol + dicarboxylic acid → polyester + H₂O)
- Contains ester linkages (−COO−) in the polymer backbone
- Crease-resistant — key advantage over natural fibres like cotton
- Quick-drying — does not absorb much water
- Thermoplastic — can be heat-set (e.g. permanent pleats)
- Often blended with cotton to make polycotton
- Brand name is Terylene (UK) or Dacron (US)