PET

PET - Polyethylene terephthalate
Polyethylene terephthalate (sometimes written poly(ethylene terephthalate), commonly abbreviated PET, PETE, or the obsolete PETP or PET-P, is a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in synthetic fibers; beverage, food and other liquid containers; thermoforming applications; and engineering resins often in combination with glass fiber. The term polyethylene terephthalate is a source of confusion because this substance, PET, does not contain polyethylene. Thus, the alternate form, poly(ethylene terephthalate), is often used in scholarly journals for the sake of accuracy and clarity.

The majority of the world's PET production is for synthetic fibers (in excess of 60%), with bottle production accounting for around 30% of global demand. In the context of textile applications, PET is referred to by its common name, "polyester," whereas the acronym "PET" is generally used in relation to packaging. Polyester makes up about 18% of world polymer production and is the third-most-produced polymer; polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are first and second, respectively.

PET was patented in 1941 by John Rex Whinfield, James Tennant Dickson and their employer the Calico Printers' Association of Manchester. The PET bottle was patented in 1973 by Nathaniel Wyeth. PET in its natural state is a colorless, semi-crystalline resin. Based on how it is processed, PET can be semi-rigid to rigid, and it is very lightweight. It makes a good gas and fair moisture barrier, as well as a good barrier to alcohol (requires additional "barrier" treatment) and solvents. It is strong and impact-resistant.

Its Density 1.4 g/cm3 (20°C), amorphous: 1.370 g/cm3, crystalline: 1.455 g/cm3, Melting point > 250°C, 260°C. PET consists of polymerized units of the monomer ethylene terephthalate, with repeating C10H8O4 units. PET is commonly recycled, and has the number "1" as its recycling symbol.
Total capacity in India in 2011 was 814 KTA which is expected to touch 2015 KTA in 2016. JBF capacity expansion of 200 KTA is expected in 2017-18. The demand for PET is expected to touch 880 KTA during 2016-17.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is Thermoplastic polyester widely used for production of beverage bottles. It is also used for flexible packaging film due to its high clarity, low permeability and excellent printability. Biaxially oriented PET film (often known by one of its trade names, "Mylar") can be aluminized by evaporating a thin film of metal onto it to reduce its permeability and to make it reflective and opaque (MPET). These properties are useful in many applications, including flexible food packaging and thermal insulation such as "space blankets". Because of its high mechanical strength, PET film is often used in tape applications, such as the carrier for magnetic tape or backing for pressure sensitive adhesive tapes.

Non-oriented PET sheet can be thermoformed to make packaging trays and blisters. If crystallizable PET is used, the trays can be used for frozen dinners, since they withstand both freezing and oven baking temperatures. When filled with glass particles or fibers, it becomes significantly stiffer and more durable. PET is also used as substrate in thin film and solar cell.