PSF

PSF – Polyester Staple Fibre 
Polyester staple fiber is a material produced from synthetic chemical compounds with a variety of uses in the textile, automotive and furniture industries. The phrase "staple fiber" often refers to a kind of natural fiber such as cotton or wool, which can be twisted to form yarn. Polyester staple fiber resists wrinkles, mildew, general surface damage and most chemicals. This material also holds creases and pleats well, as long as they have been heat-set first.

In 1935, the DuPont Chemical Company created polyester, and the fiber from the chemical compound was strong enough to be twisted into yarn similar to natural fibers.

Polyester Staple Fibre (PSF) has emerged as the fastest-growing fibre amongst all types of manufactured fibres. Polyesters are made by polymerisation of Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) and Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG). The polymer thus obtained is melt spun and the bundle of continuous filaments obtained by melt spinning is called tow. The tow is subjected to further processes like drawing, crimping, spin finish application and then cut into fixed lengths to get cut fibres almost equal in length to cotton fibres. These cut fibres are known as PSF.Today over 70-75% of polyester is produced by CP (continuous polymerisation) process using PTA (purified Terephthalic Acid) and MEG. The old process is called Batch process using DMT and MEG. Catalysts like 5b3O3 (Antimony Trioxide) are used to start and control the reaction. TiO2 (Titanium di oxide) is added to make the polyester fibre / filament dull. Spin finishes are added at melt spinning and draw machine to provide static protection and have cohesion and certain frictional properties to enable fibre get processed through textile spinning machinery without any problem.

Major Licensors of technology for manufacturing PSF are Invista, EMS-INVENTA, Zimmer AG, and Noyvalesina.

Polyester staple fibers work well in home furnishings as well, which includes carpets, upholstery, curtains and sheets. Polyester fiberfill is often used inside pillows and furniture as stuffing. Hoses, ropes and nets, thread, tire cord and sails on ships are all made with polyester fibers, which are regularly combined with other materials to add new properties.

In 2011 India had a total capacity of 1075 KTA which is expected to touch 2010 KTA in 2016. And consumption is expected to increase from 779 KTA in 2011 to 1400 KTA in 2016. The key players manufacturing PSF include Reliance Industries, Indo Rama etc. Reliance Industries is the leading player with almost 40% of total capacity in the industry.