Copolyester forms when modifications are made to
polyesters
Polyester is a category of polymers that contain the ester functional group in every repeat unit of their main chain. As a specific material, it most commonly refers to a type called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polyesters include natural ...
, which are combinations of
diacid
In organic chemistry, a dicarboxylic acid is an organic compound containing two carboxyl groups (). The general molecular formula for dicarboxylic acids can be written as , where R can be aliphatic or aromatic. In general, dicarboxylic acids show ...
s and
diol
A diol is a chemical compound containing two hydroxyl groups ( groups). An aliphatic diol is also called a glycol. This pairing of functional groups is pervasive, and many subcategories have been identified.
The most common industrial diol is e ...
s. For example, by introducing other diacids, such as
isophthalic acid
Isophthalic acid is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(CO2H)2. This colorless solid is an isomer of phthalic acid and terephthalic acid. The main industrial uses of purified isophthalic acid (PIA) are for the production of polyethylene te ...
(IPA), or other diols, such as
cyclohexane dimethanol (CHDM) to the polyester
polyethylene terephthalate
Polyethylene terephthalate (or poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, PETE, or the obsolete PETP or PET-P), is the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in fibres for clothing, containers for liquids and food ...
(PET), the material becomes a copolyester due to its comonomer content.
[''Copolyester – A Versatile Choice for Medical Applications'' Thijs Jaarsma. 2004. Business Briefing: Medical Device Manufacturing & Technology.]
Copolyesters retain their strength, clarity, and other mechanical properties even when exposed to a variety of chemicals that typically affect other materials, such as
polycarbonate
Polycarbonates (PC) are a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonates used in engineering are strong, tough materials, and some grades are optically transparent. They are easily work ...
s. This, plus their versatility and flexibility, allows manufacturers to use them effectively in the design of both high-volume, low-cost parts as well as critical, more expensive component parts.
Applications
Copolyesters offer versatility to meet a wide variety of applications.
Copolyester resins have proved to be effective in
packaging
Packaging is the science, art and technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. Packaging also refers to the process of designing, evaluating, and producing packages. Packaging can be described as a c ...
applications, due to their toughness, versatility and chemical resistance. They are also frequently used in the manufacture and packaging of
consumer goods
A final good or consumer good is a final product ready for sale that is used by the consumer to satisfy current wants or needs, unlike a intermediate good, which is used to produce other goods. A microwave oven or a bicycle is a final good, b ...
and materials. Markets that rely on copolyesters include medical packaging,
home appliances, consumer goods (pens, toys, sporting goods, etc.), and
cosmetics
Cosmetics are constituted mixtures of chemical compounds derived from either natural sources, or synthetically created ones. Cosmetics have various purposes. Those designed for personal care and skin care can be used to cleanse or protec ...
, among others.
Table of Common Copolyester and Components
Manufacturers
The main global manufacturers and suppliers of Copolyester resins are as follows (The brand names are in parenthesis):
*
Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman Chemical Company is an American company primarily involved in the chemical industry. Once a subsidiary of Kodak, today it is an independent global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of advanced materials, chemicals and ...
– (Eastar, Provista, Tritan)
*
Bostik Findley – (Vitel)
*
Toyobo – (Vylon)
*
Evonik – (Dynacoll S)
*
SKChemical – (Skygreen, Ecozen, Skybon)
*
Henkel
AG & Co. KGaA, commonly known as Henkel, is a German multinational chemical and consumer goods company headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. It is active in both the consumer and industrial sectors. Founded in 1876, the DAX company is organ ...
– (Petaflex)
*
Covestro (formerly Bayer MaterialScience AG) – (Vivak/ PETg)
*Macroocean – (Marcoa, Marnex)
Macroocean™ product list
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*EMS CHEMIE - (Griltex)
See also
*Polyester
Polyester is a category of polymers that contain the ester functional group in every repeat unit of their main chain. As a specific material, it most commonly refers to a type called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polyesters include natura ...
References
{{Reflist
Biomaterials
Carboxylate esters
Plastics
Polyesters