Copolyester

Copolyester forms when modifications are made to polyesters, which are combinations of diacids and diols. For example, by introducing other diacids, such as isophthalic acid (IPA), or other diols, such as cyclohexane dimethanol (CHDM) to the polyester polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the material becomes a copolyester due to its comonomer content. ^[1].

Copolyesters retain their strength, clarity, and other mechanical properties despite being exposed to a variety of chemicals that typically affect other materials, such as polycarbonates. 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

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 and materials. Markets that rely on copolyesters include medical and medical packaging, home appliances, consumer goods (pens, toys, sporting goods, etc.), and cosmetics, among others.^[2].^[3],^[4]

Versatility of Copolyesters

Copolyesters offer versatility to meet a wide variety of applications.^[1]

        Glycol + Acid
       EG           TPA
      CHDM          IPA
       |             |
       (Poly)ester + Water   
   |    |      |       |    |
  PET   |     PTCG     |   PCTA
TPA+EG  |  TPA+CHDM+EG |  TPA+IPA+CHDM 
        |              |
       PETG            PCT
    TPA+EG+CHDM      TPA+CHDM

Manufacturers

The main global manufacturers and suppliers of Copolyester resins include

• Eastman Chemical Company

• Bostik Findley

• Toyobo

• Evonik

• SK Chemicals

See also

• Polyester

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Copolyester – A Versatile Choice for Medical Applications Thijs Jaarsma. 2004. Business Briefing: Medical Device Manufacturing & Technology.
2. ^ http://www.eastman.com/Brands/Eastar/Introduction
3. ^ http://www.bostik-us.com/our-brands/vitel/default.html
4. ^ http://www.dynapol.com/product/dynapol/en/products-services/dynapol-types/dynapol-series/pages/default.asp