Various types of plastic are available in the market. Choosing the correct type is imperative when manufacturing, ordering, or buying any plastic products. One of the commonly used plastic resins is Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). It is used in day-to-day and industrial applications because it is durable, economical, and provides a barrier from water and gases.
Properties of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET is commonly used for the following reasons:
1. PET does not react with strong oxidizing agents, and alkaline materials.
2. Research has been conducted by both, the Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The physical properties of PET on a scale of one to ten are as follows:
• Based on both, the HMIS and the NFPA, health hazard of PET can range from zero (no substantial heath associated risk) to two (it could pose a small short-term hazard. If a person is exposed to continuous and very high levels of the material, they could be temporarily incapacitated. In such cases, immediate medical care should be provided.).
• Based on both, the HMIS and the NFPA, the flammability hazard of PET can range from zero (material that does not burn) to one (for material to be ignited, it has to be preheated).
• Based on the HMIS, physical hazard is a zero (PET does not self-react and is stable even when ignited. Also, it does not condense or react with water.). Due to these properties, the instability hazard of PET according to NFPA is zero.
PET is durable, lightweight, and does not polymerize or alter the composition of the products it is holding. It can be put to several uses, like making bottles, blending with cotton and wool to manufacture clothing, and manufacturing FDI-approved food packaging products.
