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 natura ...
, 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 ...
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 ...
(IPA), or other diols, such as
cyclohexane dimethanol
Cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) is a mixture of isomeric organic compounds with formula C6H10(CH2OH)2. It is a colorless low-melting solid used in the production of polyester resins. Commercial samples consist of a mixture of cis and trans isomers. ...
(CHDM) to the polyester
polyethylene terephthalate (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 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, but ...
and materials. Markets that rely on copolyesters include medical packaging,
home appliances
A home appliance, also referred to as a domestic appliance, an electric appliance or a household appliance, is a machine which assists in household functions such as cooking, cleaning and food preservation.
Appliances are divided into three t ...
, 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
Bostik is a manufacturer and distributor of adhesives and sealants for the construction, industrial and consumer markets. With annual sales of €2.1 billion, the company employs 6,000 people and has a presence in more than 40 countries. Bo ...
Findley – (Vitel)
*
Toyobo
is one of Japan's top makers of fibers and textiles, including synthetic fibers ( polyester, nylon and acrylics) and natural fibers, such as cotton and wool.
History
Toyobo was established in 1882 by Eiichi Shibusawa as a cotton-spinning c ...
– (Vylon)
*
Evonik
Evonik Industries AG is a stock-listed German specialty chemicals company headquartered in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is the second largest chemicals company in Germany, and one of the largest specialty chemicals companies in the ...
– (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
Covestro AG is a German company which produces a variety of polyurethane and polycarbonate based raw materials. Products include isocyanates and polyols for cellular foams, thermoplastic polyurethane and polycarbonate pellets, as well as polyureth ...
(formerly Bayer MaterialScience AG) – (Vivak/ PETg)
*Macroocean – (Marcoa, Marnex)
Macroocean™ product list
/ref>
*EMS CHEMIE - (Griltex)
See also
* Polyester
References
{{Reflist
Biomaterials
Carboxylate esters
Plastics
Polyesters