POLYTRIMETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE (FUTURE FIBER)

INTRODUCTION

Polytrimethylene Terephthalate (PTT) is a semi crystalline polymer that has many of the same advantages as its polyester cousins, PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) and PET (Polyethylene terephthalate).

PTT was first patented in 1941, but it was not until the 1990s, when Shell Chemicals developed the low cost method of producing high quality 1, 3- propanediol, the starting raw material for PTT, that commercial production of PTT was possible.

It is the first significant new material in the textile and carpet industry for some time. It provides manufacturers with a wide range of options for new products than they have now. Stain and static resistant properties while is not the result of additive is remarked as its best property. In carpeting PTT fibers feel like wool and perform equal to or better than nylon 6,6. But they hold dye much better and that means the manufactures will have wider color spectrum to chose from and produce carpets with a lasting visual beauty.

PTT will have slightly more power stretch and recovery than PBT and more than PA 66, PA 6 and PES. PBT will have the best soft hand of all as PBT will be close to PES. Both can be easily dyed at 100◦C and can be mixed with other fibers. They will offer stain resistance, chlorine resistance and a good resilience.

USES AND APPLICATION

It is a thermoplastic that can be spun into both fibers and yarns and has application in carpeting, textiles and apparel, engineering thermoplastic, non- woven, films and monofilaments.

Polymer combines the best properties of nylon and polyester. Whether used in carpet, apparel, home furnishings or automotive fabrics. Its fiber looks better younger.

With other synthetic fibers like nylon and acrylic PTT fibers feel softer, dye easier, retain vibrant colors longer, stretch and recover better, more importantly PTT fibers resist staining, clean easily and dry quickly. 

Yarns made with PTT polymers can bring together the most appealing advantages, all in single fiber. Fabrics made from PTT fibers not only offer easy care and stretch but a combination of features that include inherent stain resistance, lasting durability for a longer wear, remarkable softness, beautiful fluid drape and rich brilliant colors. It also benefits textile manufacturers since PTT fibers dye at low temperature, blend with all fibers and are less expensive.

PROPERTIES

Density:                                                                                                               1.33 g/cm³, or 83.0 lb/ft³

Elongation at Break:                                                                                        Typical 60 %

Flexural Modulus:                                                                                            2.75 GPa, or 0.398 ×10⁶ psi

Flexural Strength (MOR):                                                                             Typical 100 MPa, or 14 ×10³ psi

Maximum Temperature Onset of Melting (Solidus):                        230 °C, or 440 °F

Speed of Sound                                                                                                                43× 10³ m/s, or 140 ×10³ ft/s

Stiffness-to-Weight Ratio Flexural:                                                          2.0  MN-m/kg

Stiffness-to-Weight Ratio Tensile:                                                            1.8  MN-m/kg

Strength-to-Weight Ratio Flexural:                                                          75  kN-m/kg

Some other properties are

Soft, resistance to stretching, quick drying, and wrinkle resistance, able to retain heat- set pleats and creases, easily washed. Compared to PBT, compounds composed of PTT exhibit better tensile strengths, flexural strengths, and stiffness. They also have excellent flow and surface finish. PTT can also be more cost effective than PBT. PTT have more uniform shrinkage and better dimensional stability in some applications than competing semi-crystalline materials (especially PBT).

PTT, like PBT, has excellent resistance to a broad range of chemicals at room temperature, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, gasoline, carbon tetrachloride, perchloroethylene, oils, fats, alcohols, glycols, esters, ethers and dilute acids and bases. Strong bases may attack PTT compounds.

MARKET SURVEY

Major application area of 1,3-propanediol is polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) manufacturing which is used for carpets and some industrial textile applications due to its excellent properties. Other applications of 1,3-PDO include polyurethane manufacturing, cosmetic, personal care & home cleaning products, engine coolant, heat transfer fluid, and deicing fluids production. The global as well as regional markets have been segmented by applications such as polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyurethane, cosmetics, personal care, home cleaning products, and others. Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) is the largest application of 1,3-PDO. Majority of 1,3-PDO produced by DuPont Tate & Lyle is supplied to DuPont for PTT production. Properties of PTT make it a good chemical for carpet and other textile applications. Companies which are entering into the 1,3-PDO market are also looking forward to integrate upward for PTT production.