Effect of stabilizers on the preparation of poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abstract

AbstractPrevious investigators have indicated that stabilizers will block the transesterification catalyst in the preparation of PET by the DMT process. This was not the case when triphenyl phosphate (TPP) or Irganox 1010 was used as the stabilizer and manganous acetate as the catalyst. Stabilizers in this study included TPP, trimethyl phosphate (TMP), tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH), Irganox 1010, and Irganox 1222. Their effect on the properties of PET made by the TPA process was investigated. It was observed that TPP and TMP greatly reduced the carboxyl content of PET and that the others had little or no effect. All stabilizers lowered the diethylene glycol content of PET. The rate of polycondensation was slightly increased when a small amount of Irganox 1010, Irganox 1222, or TMP was added. Proper concentration of stabilizer should be chosen to obtain good stability and low diethylene glycol content. Among the five stabilizers studied TPP was the best with respect to carboxyl and diethylene glycol content and thermal stability. The concentration of TPP should be kept under 0.04% by weight of PET.