1. Key features

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a linear, semi-aromatic, para-linked polyester. This structure gives it certain physico-chemical characteristics, such as chemical reversibility, thermoplasticity, ability to crystallize and relatively good thermal stability. These characteristics largely govern the conditions under which the polymer is synthesized and its applications.

Synthesis can be carried out in the melt phase, followed by solid-phase postcondensation (PCS or SSP for Solid State Postcondensation). The polymer can also be easily recycled (monomer regeneration or remelting).

PET first developed in the textile (yarns and fibers) and film (packaging, graphic arts, photos, audio and videocassettes) sectors, then in industrial yarns (conveyor belts, tire reinforcements, screen-printing fabrics) and today, increasingly, in hollow bodies,...