subject: Applications of Polyethylene terephthalate [print this page] Applications of Polyethylene terephthalate
Polyester is the largest synthetic fiber used in the world with production split roughly 60/40 between polyester filament and polyester staple. Filament yarns are used in clothing, furnishings, tyre cord and technical textiles. Staple fibers are employed in knitted and woven textiles for clothing and furnishings such as bed sheets, bedspreads, curtains and draperies. Polyester fiberfill can be used to stuff pillows and cushion padding.
PET has good barrier properties against oxygen and carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is utilized in bottles for mineral water. Other applications include food trays for oven use, roasting bags, audio/video tapes as well as mechanical components.
Polyester fabrics can have a synthetic feel when compared to fabrics made from natural materials. However, polyester does have the advantage of better wrinkle resistance and is often spun together with natural fibers such as cotton and wool to produce a fabric with blended properties.
PET has taken market share in the bottled water market due to its good clarity and not leaving any taste in the water. It has also found applications in more niche markets such as sports drinks and fruit juices, and is used to make bottles for cooking and salad oils, sauces and dressings. you can get more information about Polyethylene terephthalate at www.worldofplastic.net
Woven PET is commonly used as surgical meshes for abdominal wall repair and similar procedures where surgical "patching" is required. A PET velour fabric patch was first introduced in the 1970s. Heart valves have incorporated PET by using it as a sewing cuff around the circumference of the valve to promote tissue in growth and to provide a surface to suture the valve to the surrounding tissue. Over one million heart valves have been implanted since their inception in the late 1970s.
The crystalline form of PET is used for trays containing pre-cooked meals that are reheated in either microwave or conventional ovens. Other uses for PET include thick-walled containers for cosmetic and personal care products as well as pharmaceuticals.
PET packaging resin markets have seen very strong growth over the last 20 years. It first penetrated the carbonated soft drinks market because it is lightweight and strong. PET bottles are virtually unbreakable while a typical 1.5 liter bottle weighs about 40-45gm, about one-tenth the weight of glass.
PET film is utilized in electrical applications such as dielectric metal foil capacitors and for packaging.
