Polyesters, Thermoplastic

Abstract

This article covers semicrystalline thermoplastic polyesters and their applications as molding resins. The principal polymers described are PET, PBT, PEN, PCT, thermoplastic elastomers of the PBT–PTMEG‐T type, and liquid crystalline polymers. The raw materials for various polyesters and their production are described and general routes to polyester polymer synthesis outlined. Individual polyesters are described in more detail with particular reference to special features of their polymer chemistry. PET stretch blow‐molded bottles and containers are a very large market and the production of PET bottle resin by continuous polymerization and solid‐state polymerization is described together with an outline of the stretch blow‐molding process. Physical properties, polymer characterization and mechanical properties together with details of polymer injection molding are described. Particular reference is given to the growing demands for PCT of new electronic and electrical fabrication techniques such as surface mounting technology and its requirements for high temperature polymer properties. PBT polymer is described in detail. Flame‐retardant additives are described and how they affect polymer performance. Safety and health factors for the polymers in use are discussed. Liquid crystal polymers are relatively new high performance thermoplastics. The nature of the mesophase state and how LCP's differ from conventional materials is described. LCP polymer synthesis is outlined and physical and mechanical properties of several commercial LCP polymers given.

Thermal Tranesterification of Bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diyl Units in (Poly(ethyl terephthalate) and Poly(butylene terephthalate): A Route to Thermoset Polyesters

“…The commercial production of poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, for use as a semicrystalline polymer in film, fiber, and packaging applications exceeds 3.9 × 10 9 lb/year in the United States . The additional flexibility of the repeat units of poly(butylene terephthalate), PBT, allows for the greater crystallinity and crystallization rates desirable for injection molding operations, but most of these applications require that the polymer be reinforced with glass fiber or mineral fillers …”

Reducing Inert Materials for Optimal Cell–Cell and Cell–Matrix Interactions within Microphysiological Systems

“…Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly abbreviated as PET, stands out as one of the most widely utilized thermoplastic polymers in the market. It belongs to the polyester family, a broad category of polymers distinguished by the presence of ester functionalities within the macromolecular main chains [40,41]. Here as well, there are numerous applications where membranes of this material are employed such as kidney, liver and endothelium [42][43][44].…”

Synthesis and Characterization of PET-Based Liquid Crystalline Copolyesters Containing 6-Oxynaphthalene-2-carboxylate and 6-Oxyanthracene-2-carboxylate Units

“…The resulting highly ordered materials have excellent mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties. Despite their remarkable properties, sales of commercial LCPs remain low (10 million lb/year in the U.S.), primarily because the selling prices of LCPs are often 10−20 times greater than those of traditional thermoplastics such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)…”