PET Testing Lab

Click here to see the Common Properties of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

Polyhedron Laboratories offers PET testing services for PET materials and products. Tests available include:

  • Applications testing to ensure the materials meet all product requirements.
  • Quality and material consistency testing including failure analysis.
  • Creep and accelerated weathering.

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Information

PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, is a thermoplastic polymer resin.  PET can by synthesized by the transesterification reaction between ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate or by the esterification reaction between terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol.  Polymerization is through a polycondensation reaction of the monomers.  PET is comprised of repeating C10H8O4 units.

PET can be manufactured to be rigid or semi-rigid and is very lightweight.  It provides a good barrier to alcohol, solvents and gas, and a fair barrier to moisture.  When manufactured as a thin film, it can be aluminized to reduce its permeability and to make it reflective and opaque.  It has high mechanical strength.

Over 60% of the world's production of PET is for use in synthetic fibers for textiles; 30% is for bottle production.  When PET is used in textiles, it is commonly referred to as polyester.  For bottling and film applications, it is referred to as PET.  PET film is used to manufacture tapes, thermal insulation, flexible and blister packaging.

A significant benefit to using PET in bottles and packaging is that it can be recycled, especially due to the high volume of post consumer waste for both products.  Recycled PET is used for carpet fiber, polar fleece and polyester fabrics. Contact Polyhedron Laboratories today!

Common Properties of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

PROPERTIESASTM TEST METHODCOMMON VALUES AND RANGES
Melt flow (g/10 min)

D1238

-

 
Melting temperature, °C

-

245-265
Processing temperature range, °C - Injection

-

315
Molding pressure range, 103 psi

-

7
Tensile strength at break, psi

D638

7000-15,000
Elongation at break, %

D638

300
Tensile yield strength, psi

D638

5800-9000
Compressive strength (rupture or yield) psi

D695

14,000-15,000
Flexural strength (rupture or yield) psi

D790

14,000-18,000
Tensile modulus, 103 psi

D638

1306-1450
Compressive modulus, 103 psi

D695

-
Flexural modulus, 103 psi (23°C)

D790

1200-1600
Izod Impact, ft·lb/in of notch

D256A

2.2
Rockwell Hardness

D785

105-720
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion, 10-6 in/in/°C

D696

30
Deflection temperature °C (66 psi)

D648

210-226
Specific gravity (g/cm3)

D792

1.25-1.91
Water Absorption, % ( 24 hrs.)

D570

0.20-0.30
Dielectric strength short time, v/mil

D149

450
Dielectric constant

D150

2.40-3.90
Inherent viscosity

D4603

0.55-0.98
Glass transition temperature (°C)

D3418

69-115

Request Testing Quote today from Polyhedron Laboratories
or call us at 281.879.8600


Request Testing Quote today from Polyhedron Laboratories
or call us at 281.879.8600