Introduction and Differences between Polyester and Nylon Fabrics

Polyester and Nylon Fabrics

Polyester and nylon are the main materials used in the production of our bags. Polyester’s resistance to chemicals, UV rays, and poor water absorption characteristics make polyester bags durable in harsh environments, and the material is also cheaper, making it an ideal choice for backpacks and outdoor bags. Nylon, on the other hand, offers excellent abrasion resistance and resilience, making it suitable for tool bags, travel bags, and other types of bags that need to withstand wear and tear. Of course, polyester bags provide better cost performance for the same price range, while nylon is better suited for those who prioritize quality.

This article aims to assist you in making informed decisions when selecting a product.

Backpack Fabric Comparison Chart

Polyester Fabric

Polyester is a common fabric used in daily life, and most bags on the market use polyester as the main material. Polyester is also mixed with other fibers for use in clothing materials.

Why is polyester fabric so common in daily life? It has many advantages. First, it is resistant to various chemicals, and acids and alkalis have a minimal effect on it. It is also resistant to mold and insect damage. Second, polyester is the most heat-resistant fabric among synthetic fibers, with high strength and excellent elasticity recovery. Furthermore, polyester’s light resistance and UV resistance are better than those of natural fibers. These advantages make products made from polyester durable.

Polyester fabric has poor melting resistance, and polyester-made clothes are prone to pilling, but these disadvantages do not significantly affect the daily use of polyester-made bags. Polyester has poor dyeability but does not fade easily after dyeing, allowing bags to last longer. Polyester’s poor water absorption makes it suitable for environments with waterproof requirements.

Therefore, polyester is the most suitable material for outdoor bags, such as hunting bags, tactical backpacks, sports backpacks, and hiking bags.

Polyester Filament Production Machine

Polyester Filament Production Process Diagram

 

Nylon Fabric

Nylon, like polyester, is a polymer derived from petroleum and processed into fibers that are widely used in various applications. Nylon 6,6 is commonly used as a textile material.

Nylon’s abrasion resistance, breathability, lightness, and elasticity are much better than those of polyester, ranking it first among synthetic fibers. Nylon also has excellent moisture absorption, making it suitable for clothing. Backpacks made from lightweight and abrasion-resistant nylon materials are especially suitable for travel.

On the flip side, nylon has poor heat resistance and light resistance, so special care should be taken when washing and maintaining nylon products. It is not suitable for prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and the fabric may develop static electricity with frequent friction in the winter.

Based on its properties, nylon is suitable for tool bags, outdoor travel bags, tactical backpacks, and hunting bags.

Spool, Yarn, Thread

In short, nylon and polyester fabrics represent abrasion resistance and durability, respectively. You can choose products made from different materials based on your needs.

Understanding "600D"

Many people may not know what the "D" in 600D stands for.

"D" is short for denier, which is the unit of measurement for fiber thickness. The calculation is as follows: 1 gram per 9,000 meters of thread is called one denier (i.e., the lower the denier, the finer the fiber). The formula is: D = G/L × 9000. The smaller the number before "D," the finer and less dense the fiber. Common strength indicators for backpack fabrics are typically 450D and 500D. Materials above 500D are generally used for high-wear areas. For example, 210D material has a particularly fine texture and is usually used for bag linings or internal dividers. Materials like 900D or 1000D have coarser textures and thicker threads, making them highly durable and typically used for the bottom of the bag.

Distinguishing Polyester and Nylon

Both polyester and nylon are primary materials used in making bags. Their differences arise from their chemical compositions, leading to different properties. Below are some ways to distinguish between the two materials:

· Visual and Tactile Differences: Nylon has a shinier appearance compared to polyester and feels smoother to the touch.

· Burning Test: The simplest way to distinguish polyester from nylon is the burn test. Polyester burns with a strong black smoke, while nylon emits white smoke. After burning, polyester will crumble easily when squeezed, while nylon will curl up quickly and form small bubbles. Eventually, nylon will leave a light brown melted residue.

· Price: Nylon is generally twice as expensive as polyester.

· Functionality: Nylon fabric has good elasticity and breathability, while polyester fabric is more resistant to deformation, does not wrinkle easily, is durable, and is also an excellent insulator.

Nylon Fabric

Polyester Fabric

 

For a more technical explanation:

Both materials are synthetic polymers made up of repeated chains of atoms.
Polyester is usually polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which consists of a carbon-hydrogen ring with added carbon and oxygen at the ends and hydrogen at the terminus.
Nylon (6,6) is a longer polymer chain without a ring and contains nitrogen atoms. Functionally, it is a combination of two molecules: one carbon chain with hydrogen throughout and another carbon chain with oxygen at the ends. When these are repeated, the polymer is formed.

Both materials are created using extrusion techniques, where a liquid solution of the material is forced through a small hole to create fibers, which are then spun into threads.

Polyester fibers almost do not absorb water. Water can exist in the weave of the fabric and be absorbed through capillary action, but it does not absorb into the fibers themselves. Nylon yarn contains only a very small proportion of water (~2%), meaning polyester dries faster and doesn’t deform in humid conditions, making it a better option for base layers.

 

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