|  | Public Health Safety | Public Health

Properties of Polyethylene Terephthalate

Polyethylene terephthalate is a terephthalate polymer used in geotextile nonwoven fabrics, which are permeable fabrics which, when used in association with soil, have the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect or drain.

  1. Identification

    • Polyethylene terephthalate has a molecular formula of (C10H8O4)n. The Chemical Abstract Service number (CAS number) of polyethylene terephthalate is 25038-59-9.

    Properties

    • Specific gravity is 1.30 to 1.68. Its solubility in water is negligible at less than 0.4 percent. The melting point is 473 F to 500 F (245 C to 260 C).

    HMIS and NFPA Ratings

    • The extent of polymerization of polyethylene terephthalate varies from product to product. As a result, the health and flammability hazards of this material vary from product to product. Based on the Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS), the health hazard can range from zero (no significant risk to health) to two (temporary minor hazard may occur); the flammability hazard can range from zero (material that will not burn) to one (materials that must be preheated before ignition will occur); and the physical hazard is a zero (materials that are normally stable, even under fire conditions, and will not react with water, polymerize, decompose, condense or self-react).

      Based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the health hazard can range from zero (exposure under fire conditions would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible materials) to two (intense or continued exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury unless prompt medical attention is given). The flammability hazard can range from zero (material that will not burn) to one (must be preheated before ignition can occur), and the instability hazard is a zero (normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water).

    Reactivity and Stability

    • Polyethylene terephthalate is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and strongly alkaline materials.

    Use

    • Polyethylene terephthalate can be blended with cotton to make wash-and-wear fabrics and with wool to make worsteds and suitings. It can be used to make packaging material, recording tapes and soft drink bottles.

Public Health - Related Articles