Popularity of Polyester Fleece
Polyester fleece Sherpa throw blankets gained popularity in the early 90s. Backpackers and hikers too found the fleece material extremely comfortable because it was lightweight while being warmer than wool.
This material has become a host to a number of specialized uses. It is increasingly popular as a fashion fabric. It is also used to make ear-warmers for calves in winters and underwear for deep-sea drivers as well as astronauts.
Origins and History
The nineteenth century witnessed a breakthrough in fabric science when scientists from Germany and England managed to get thread like strings by extruding certain chemicals in their liquid state through fine holes.
Various chemical fibers were made this way, but, they did not become commercially viable. Also, fiber glass was created in the same way.
Wood cellulose was used to create the first artificial silk in the 80s by a Frenchman called Count Hilaire de Chardonnet. It was treated with nitric acid before being extruded through a nozzle. The Chardonnet silk became popular as the first commercial synthetic fabric.
In 1920s, nylon was developed by the United States Du Pont Laboratories with the help of giant string shaped molecules. In the 1940s, British scientists created polyester by extending on the Du Pont Laboratories research.
Construction of Fleece
Polyester is a combination of chemical compounds called polymers. It is created by reacting two petroleum derivatives called antifreeze andethylene glycol with terephthalic acid. Polymers are formed on combining the two chemicals at very high temperatures.
Thick syrup is formed as the polymer cools which is then forced through a spinneret. A spinneret is a metal disc with tiny holes in it. These streams of liquid polymer harden on coming in contact with air. The crystalline structure of a polymer is essentially a chain of giant strings made of interlocking molecules.
Polyester was earlier called terylene in England. In 1946, Du Pont Laboratories claimed exclusive US rights on the polymer and christened it Polyester with the brand name Dacron.
Chemical name for the polyester polymer is PET or polyethylene terephthalate. PET that is not extruded into fibers is used to create plastic soda bottles. A combination of recycled and virgin polyester may be used to create Sherpa fleece blankets available in the market today.
High Performance
Polyester fleece for Sherpa throw blanket has a pile surface that keeps away the cold. There are air pockets between the threads on both sides of the fabric. It can also keep away moisture making sure that a wearer is warm in extreme conditions. This ensures that your fluffy blanket does not just feel good but serves its purpose as well.
The fleece fabric gradually crossed over into the high performance, high tech textile niche in the United States. Head to your nearest store for Xtreme Comforts Native American blankets and other fleece products, or simply buy them online.
