Circularity potential
Medium
Strength
Medium
Production energy
High
Stiffness
Low
Embodied CO2
Medium
Density
Medium

Thermoplastic polyester offers an amazing balance of properties considering its very low price. As a result, it dominates in textiles, films and engineering. The most important of this group is polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE) – a low cost plastic available in many formats and commercially significant in many industries. While they have moderate mechanical properties, they have some in-built resistance to weathering, chemicals and fire; which can be enhanced. As a packaging material polyester provides a barrier against water, CO2, oxygen and nitrogen – perhaps the most iconic use of this material is in plastic drinks bottles.

At high temperatures polyester is very sensitive to moisture and particularly vulnerable to water at over 60 degC. Copolyesters have been developed to overcome this shortfall and grades are available that are able to be utilised in reusable, transparent, dishwashable food and drink containers, for example. On the other hand, in the case of biodegradable plastics, this weakness may be enhanced to enable composting end of life. When combined with raw materials from biological sources, it is possible to make bio-based biodegradable polyesters that meet the most stringent composting requirements and are suitable for a range of packaging, textile and industrial applications.

Polyester may be partially, or wholly, derived from biomaterials. Certain types, such as polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), have biomaterial derived ingredients as part of their fundamental chemistry, which may or may not be advantageous, depending on the source of the material. Polyethylene furanoate (PEF) is 100% bio-based and offers a superior material to PET in many applications. These materials are not biodegradable.


Sustainability concerns
Non-renewable ingredients
Raw material generates polluting by-products
Low circularity potential
Microplastics


Glass fibre reinforced polyethylene terephthalate (PET-GF) materials are relatively strong and stiff for their weight – they have replaced metals in many applications over the years. The glass fibre reinforcement elevates temperature resistance, creep behaviour and dimensional stability. Coupled with good injection moulding properties, excellent surface finish and dielectric strength, PET-GF is suitable for intricate electronic parts through to automotive grille opening panels.


Design properties
Cost usd/kg
0.9-2.3
Embodied energy MJ/kg
46-53
Carbon footprint kgCO2e/kg
1.1-4.4
Density kg/m3
1800
Tensile modulus GPa
18
Tensile strength MPa
190
Flexural modulus GPa
16
Flexural strength MPa
280
Charpy impact strength kJ/m2
11
Hardness Mohs
2
Poissons ratio
0.33
Thermal expansion (µm/m)/ºC
16-80
Melt flow rate g/10 min (260 C/2.16 kg)
8
Melt temperature ºC
251
Heat deflection temperature ºC
235
Thermal conductivity W/mK
0.24
Temperature min-max °C
-40 to 100
Thermal
insulator
Electrical
insulator