Identification and Characterization of Reaction Byproducts in the Polymerization of Polyethylene Terephthalate

End-group characterization of homo- and copolyesters of cyclohexane-1,4-dimethanol

“…Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) usually has hydroxyl and carboxylate end groups, but it is well known that PET also has vinyl end groups as a result of thermal cis-␤-elimination. [1][2][3][4] The importance of the end groups, especially the vinyl groups, comes from the fact that this end group is formed as a result of polymer chain degradation and is an important intermediate for volatile compounds such as acetaldehyde [5][6][7] and other byproducts including solid residues. 8 -11 NMR is often employed for compositional and sequential analysis of aromatic polyesters.…”

PET Fibers, Films, and Bottles: Sections 5–7

“…Acetaldehyde is actually a harmless, non-toxic substance with a fruity odor and a boiling point of 20.8 0 C [115]. AA is a degradation product formed when PET is heated to melt temperatures [117]. AA has a strong flavor [115,116] and hence it can impart a taste to the beverage in the bottle.…”

Acetaldehyde Generation in Poly(ethylene Terephthalate) Resins for Water Bottles

“…Although we could not establish the exact reasons for the differences in AA generation in these commercial resins, it is worth examining possible causes. [2,6] The vinyl-ester endgroup can react with a hydroxyethyl endgroup HO-CH 2 -CH 2 -OOC-Ar-COO-. One of the latent sources of AA is the vinyl-ester endgroup .…”

“…[1,2] While acetaldehyde (AA) is of no concern in fiber and filament applications of PET, it is an important matter for bottles. [1,2] While acetaldehyde (AA) is of no concern in fiber and filament applications of PET, it is an important matter for bottles.…”