Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abstract

Abstract Major Applications Fibers, films, barrier film, soft drink bottle (amorphous PET), film for compression molding PE, PP, and for replacement of commodity metals such as steel and aluminum (1–3). Copolymers of PET are proposed for use as fire retardants (4) and biodegradable films (5, 6). Preparative Techniques Synthesized by condensation/step growth polymerization between ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Low viscosity and easily spinnable PET are synthesized by ester interchange. Dimethyl terephthalate is reacted with ethylene glycol in a 1:1.7 ratio at 0.020 atm and 160–230◦C. Final reaction occur at 260–300◦C under vacuum at 0.001 atm. Synthesis of PET is done by using aromatic sulphonates as catalysts (7–10).