Polyester vs Other Materials in PMC
Material selection is fundamental to fabric performance. This guide compares the materials used in paper machine clothing and their optimal applications.
Material Comparison
| Property | PET | HR-PET | PA (Nylon) | PPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Continuous Temp | 150°C | 160°C | 140°C | 190°C |
| Abrasion Resistance | Good | Good | Excellent (3-4x PET) | Very Good |
| Hydrolysis Resistance | Good | Very Good | Good | Excellent |
| Chemical Resistance | Good (acids) | Good | Good (alkalis) | Excellent |
| Cost | 1.0x | 1.2x | 1.5x | 4.0x |
| Primary Use | Forming, Dryer | Dryer (high temp) | Wear zones, Forming | Specialty |
PET (Polyester) — The Workhorse
PET is the most widely used PMC material, accounting for ~80% of all fabric yarns.
Advantages:
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Good hydrolysis resistance (HR-PET variant)
- Cost-effective
- Good overall mechanical properties
Limitations:
- Max 150°C continuous (160°C for HR-PET)
- Moderate abrasion resistance
- Degrades in strong alkaline conditions
Best for: Forming fabrics, standard dryer fabrics, press felt base layers
PA (Polyamide / Nylon) — The Wear Fighter
PA is used strategically in high-wear zones rather than as the primary material.
Advantages:
- 3-4x better abrasion resistance than PET
- Excellent impact resistance
- Good in alkaline conditions
Limitations:
- Lower temperature resistance (140°C)
- Higher moisture absorption (dimensional changes)
- Higher cost
Best for: Bottom weft in forming fabrics, wear zones in abrasive furnishes
PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide) — The Heat Specialist
PPS is used for extreme temperature applications.
Advantages:
- 190°C continuous, 220°C peak
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Very good hydrolysis resistance
Limitations:
- 4x the cost of PET
- Lower tensile strength than PET
- Specialty material, limited availability
Best for: High-temperature dryer sections, chemical recovery boilers
PAPTEX Hybrid Designs
PAPTEX's patented PET/PA hybrid designs use:
- PET warp yarns for stability and cost
- PA weft yarns in bottom/wear positions for abrasion resistance
This approach achieves 20-35% longer life on abrasive furnishes at only 5-10% cost increase.
Material Selection Guide
| Application | Recommended Material |
|---|---|
| Standard forming fabric | PET warp + PA bottom weft |
| High-speed forming | PET + strategic PA |
| Standard dryer (<150°C) | PET |
| High-temp dryer (150-180°C) | HR-PET |
| Extreme temp (>180°C) | PPS |
| Abrasive furnish (>50% recycled) | Maximize PA content |
| Chemical environment | Consult PAPTEX |