{"id":2090,"date":"2021-06-07T01:47:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-07T01:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sybridge.com\/?p=2090"},"modified":"2023-09-25T10:09:24","modified_gmt":"2023-09-25T15:09:24","slug":"know-your-materials-pet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sybridge.com\/know-your-materials-pet\/","title":{"rendered":"Know Your Materials: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Previously published on fastradius.com on June 7, 2021<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polyethylene terephthalate, more commonly known as PET, is a lightweight clear plastic that\u2019s used for countless packaging applications. One of the world\u2019s most well-known plastics, PET was first synthesized in the mid-40s by DuPont chemists who were trying to create polymers that could be used to make textile fibers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A decade later, researchers developed a way to stretch PET thin, allowing the material to be used in packaging film, video and X-ray film, and more. In the early 1970s, new technology allowed PET to be molded into strong, lightweight, shatterproof material, and PET\u2019s reign as the leading plastic for food packaging began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, PET is one of the most commonly used materials in the world. More than half of the world\u2019s synthetic fiber is made from PET, and almost all soft drink and water bottles sold in the United States contain PET. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about this incredibly popular plastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

PET is a polymer consisting of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, two materials that are combined to create hard plastic pellets. Those pellets can then be melted and shaped into nearly any form, which will then cool and harden into a tough, shatter-proof material. In its natural state, PET is highly flexible, colorless, and semi-crystalline. Depending on how it\u2019s processed, PET can be rigid to semi-rigid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
 More than half of the world\u2019s synthetic fiber is made from PET, and almost all soft drink and water bottles sold in the United States contain PET.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

PET is identifiable by the #1 code in the triangular \u201cchasing arrows\u201d recycling logo \u2014 no other plastic carries the #1 code. In fact, PET is the most recycled plastic in the world. This material can be easily converted into other forms through washing and re-melting. Popular recycled PET products include carpet, clothing, rope, fiberfill for sleeping bags or winter jackets, and construction materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to being recyclable, PET is energy-efficient to create, use, and transport. Its raw materials are derived from crude oil and natural gas, but it still maintains a favorable sustainability profile when compared to glass or aluminum. PET requires less fuel to transport than other materials of similar strength, making it an appealing option for many manufacturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Properties and Mechanical Specifications of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to being lightweight, sturdy, and recyclable, PET is favored for numerous applications because of its safety. The material is food- and beverage-safe, resistant to attacks by microorganisms, and chemical-resistant. In addition, it exhibits low moisture absorption and excellent wear characteristics, making it safe to contain and transport food and beverages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PET also has low gas permeability, excellent electrical insulation, a broad range of use temperatures, and excellent resistance to alcohols, oils, greases, and diluted acids. What\u2019s more, it doesn\u2019t break or fracture, making it a favorable glass replacement for many applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of PET\u2019s other physical and\u00a0mechanical properties\u00a0include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n