Category Archives: Rossana Graca

Scientific Name: Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Formula/ Chemical Composition: C10H804

It is made of many substances that contains compounds derived from living matter, making the material organic. Its biochemical composition thus consists of highly polymerized esters of fatty acids that are waxy and water repellant substances in plant cuticles, called Cutin. To put it simply, it controls the movement of water, solutes and gases. Living matter (e.g. plants) depend on these barriers that provide an interface with the environment. Furthermore, the main ingredient is a derivation of petroleum, called ethylene.

Material Description: The object of study is a mosquito net which is made from polyester, sometimes referred to a Terylene if it is used as fibre. A mosquito net is a net that usually hangs across a door, a window or around a bed to keep mosquitoes away in most tropical and hot climate, preventing the increase of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever amongst others. Polyester is a good material to fight against mosquitoes and other insects because it is small enough to exclude the insects without preventing the passage of air into a place, nor impeding the ability to see. In addition, if it is treated it is more effective in the prevention of tropical diseases. Read More »