PBT fibre
Also known as: Polybutylene terephthalate, PBT
Polyester fibre with natural stretch and chlorine resistance — the standard for chlorinated-water swimwear.
Description
PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polyester of the family around PET and PTT. As a fibre it is usually melt-spun into textured filament and delivers natural stretch of 15–25 % without any elastane admixture.
PBT is exceptionally chlorine-resistant and is therefore preferred as an alternative to elastane/chlorine combinations for competition and chlorinated-water swimwear (brands such as Arena PowerSkin or Speedo Endurance+). Other applications include sports bras, compression wear and technical brushes. Key producers are BASF (Ultradur), Celanese (Celanex/Crastin) and Mitsubishi (Novaduran).
- Semi-crystalline polyester
- Natural stretch 15–25 %
- Chlorine-resistant, high heat resistance (up to 150 °C)
- Swimwear, compression wear
PBT swimwear keeps its fit and colour in chlorinated water much longer than elastane blends.
Properties
| Fibre type | Thermoplastic polyester |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 1,4-Butanediol + terephthalic acid |
| Stretch | 15–25 % natural |
| Use | Swimwear, compression wear |
Related product categories
Sources & references
1- Wikipedia: PBT Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polybutylene_terephthalate
