PTT fibre (Triexta)
Also known as: Polytrimethylene terephthalate, Triexta, SmartStrand
Polyester generation with permanent recovery — recognised as its own fibre class 'Triexta' in 2009.
Description
PTT (polytrimethylene terephthalate) is a thermoplastic polyester made from 1,3-propanediol and terephthalic acid, patented in 1941. It became commercially available at scale only after Degussa and Shell developed an economic 1,3-propanediol route in the 1980s; DuPont established the bio-based variant (Sorona®) using fermentative 1,3-PDO.
Characteristic of PTT is a helical chain structure that gives the fibre naturally durable elasticity and excellent recovery — hence the trade class 'Triexta', recognised by the US FTC in 2009. Applications: premium residential and carpet flooring (Mohawk SmartStrand), sportswear, men's suiting and weather protection fabrics. Stain repellency and softness exceed PET without any elastane content.
- Aromatic polyester (PTT)
- 1,3-propanediol + terephthalic acid
- Springy recovery, soft hand
- Carpets, sportswear, suits
DuPont™ Sorona® is the bio-based variant with a 37 % share of renewable raw materials (corn).
Properties
| Fibre type | Polyester (Triexta) |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | 1,3-propanediol + terephthalic acid |
| Properties | durable stretch, stain repellent |
| Use | Carpets, sportswear |
Related product categories
Sources & references
1- Wikipedia: PTT Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polytrimethylene_terephthalate
