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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-11-20 Origin: Site
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a thermoplastic polymer from the polyester family. It's known for its strength, clarity, chemical resistance, and excellent recyclability. PET can be used in both amorphous (transparent) and semi-crystalline (opaque) forms, depending on how it's processed.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Transparency | Naturally clear in amorphous form (used for bottles) |
| Strength | High tensile strength and impact resistance |
| Barrier Properties | Excellent barrier against oxygen, CO₂, and moisture |
| Thermal Stability | Good for short-term heat exposure (up to ~120°C) |
| Chemical Resistance | Resists water, alcohols, and many oils |
| Creep Resistance | Holds its shape under stress over time |
| Recyclability | 100% recyclable; often used in RPET (recycled PET) |
PET is commonly used in injection molding, especially for precision parts, containers, and packaging applications. It requires careful processing to maintain its properties.
Drying required (PET absorbs moisture — dry at 150–160°C for 4–6 hours)
Melt temperature: 250–280°C
Mold temperature: 80–120°C
Injection pressure: High, due to its relatively high viscosity
Important: If PET isn’t dried properly before molding, hydrolysis can degrade the polymer, causing reduced strength and surface quality.
Water and soda bottles
Food containers and trays
Blister packaging
Cosmetic bottles
Microwaveable containers
Credit card laminates
Automotive under-hood parts (glass-filled PET)
Electrical components (PET has good insulation properties)
Strapping and films
PET is used to produce polyester fibers for clothing, upholstery, etc.
Crystal-clear transparency (good for retail and packaging)
Strong and lightweight
Excellent gas and moisture barrier
Food-safe and approved for contact by FDA and EFSA
Fully recyclable — can be made into new bottles, textiles, etc.
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Moisture-sensitive | Must be dried to avoid hydrolysis during molding |
| Not UV-stable | Discolors or degrades with prolonged sun exposure (can be stabilized) |
| Brittleness at low temperatures | May crack if impact occurs below freezing |
| Not suitable for high heat | Deforms above 120°C (use PBT or PPS for higher heat resistance) |
PET is one of the most recycled plastics worldwide.
Recycled PET (RPET) is used in:
Clothing (fleece, sportswear)
New bottles and containers
Carpet and textile fibers
Fun fact: Over 1.5 billion pounds of PET bottles and containers are recycled annually in the U.S. alone!
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Amorphous PET (APET) | Clear and flexible; used in packaging |
| Crystalline PET (CPET) | Opaque, heat-resistant; used in ready-meal trays |
| Glass-Filled PET | Enhanced mechanical strength for industrial parts |
| Recycled PET (RPET) | Post-consumer recycled form of PET, eco-friendly |
Dry thoroughly — even small moisture levels can cause degradation.
Use hot molds — PET needs higher mold temperatures to achieve clarity and reduce internal stresses.
Slow cooling — helps crystallization if needed for opaque, heat-resistant parts (like CPET).
Avoid overheating — prolonged residence time in the barrel can degrade the polymer.
