A copolyester is a
copolymer synthesized by modification of
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.
[''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 ester, carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonates used in engineering are strong, toughness, tough materials, and some grades are optically transp ...
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 an intermediate good, which is used to produce other goods. A microwave oven or a bicycle is a final good.
W ...
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.
The domestic application attached to ...
, consumer goods (pens, toys, sporting goods, etc.), and
cosmetics
Cosmetics are substances that are intended for application to the body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance. They are mixtures of chemical compounds derived from either Natural product, natural source ...
, 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 parentheses):
*
Eastman Chemical Company – (Eastar, Provista, Tritan)
*
Bostik Findley – (Vitel)
*
Toyobo – (Vylon)
*
Evonik – (Dynacoll S)
*
SKChemical – (Skygreen, Ecozen, Skybon)
*
Henkel – (Petaflex)
*
Covestro (formerly Bayer MaterialScience AG) – (Vivak/ PETg)
*Macroocean – (Marcoa, Marnex)
*EMS CHEMIE - (Griltex)
See also
*
Polyester
References
{{Reflist
Biomaterials
Carboxylate esters
Plastics
Polyesters