Published November 1966
This report is concerned with the manufacture of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) as polymer melt and the conversion of the melt into continuous filament yarn, staple and tow, and film. Two basic cases are considered: manufacture using dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) as the main raw material and manufacture starting with fiber-grade terephthalic acid TPA) . In each case, ethylene glycol (EG) is the secondary raw material. The literature connected with PET is massive. However, in some of the areas that this report treats, there are serious gaps in the available information. Nevertheless, it is believed that a reasonably complete and accurate evaluation of the manufacture of this product has been achieved.
Subjects considered to be beyond the scope of the present study were those primarily connected with the product development and technical service aspects of the polyester fiber and film business. Hence, such subjects as dyeing, film coatings, and electrical properties are dealt with in only a cursory fashion, if at all, in the report.
Furthermore, this report evaluates only processes to produce poly(ethylene terephthalate). Accordingly, polymers made using l-4 cyclohexane dimethanol instead of ethylene glycol, mixtures of terephthalic acid and isophthalic acids rather than terephthalic acid alone, and various copolyesters employing small amounts of materials such as sebacic acid or p-hydroxyethoxybenzoic acid have been omitted. Processes for the manufacture of these polymers would be similar to the process for PET production, but raw material costs would be appreciably different in some instances.
Considerable information regarding equipment performance and cost was provided by various equipment manufacturers and suppliers. This assistance is gratefully acknowledged, and the list of companies that provided cost information is given in Appendix F.
