Thermal degradation of polyethylene terephthalate: study of polymer stabilization

Processing characteristics of PET/PEN blends, part 2: Rheology and degradation kinetics

“…Zimmerman 15 has indicated that "the thermal and thermal-oxidative properties of PET are affected by temperature, metal derivatives used as transesterification or polycondensation catalysts, and by modifications of the chemical structure caused by side reactions or comonomers introduced into the polymer chain in order to change specific properties of the polyester." Villain et al 16 have reported activation energies of 159 kJ/mol (38 kcal/mol) for thermal degradation and 81 kJ/mol (20 kcal/mol) for thermal-oxidative degradation of PET. Tate and Narusawa 17 have determined the activation energy for thermal degradation of PET to be 172 kJ/mol (41 kcal/mol).…”

Volatile products of poly(ethylene terephthalate) thermal degradation in nitrogen atmosphere

“…These conditions result in degradation reactions, which may lead to changing of polymer properties (e.g., reduction of molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity, discoloration) and the emission of volatile substances. Studies [11][12][13][14][15] have shown that at these temperatures acetaldehyde and formaldehyde are the main substances evolved from PET. Thermal degradation of PET at higher temperatures was studied by several authors, mostly by means of pyrolysis-gas chromatography (Py-GC) 16 -19 or direct pyrolysis mass spectrometry (Py-MS).…”

Plastic Degradation and Its Environmental Implications with Special Reference to Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

“…Dyes and colouring agents can lead to undesirable colours in recycled plastic [38]. Finally, contaminants, such as acetaldehyde (a natural degradation product of PET) and other contaminants arising from misuse of PET by consumers (such as storage of fuel, pesticides, and other dangerous materials) are potential health hazards in recycled PET products [61,62].…”