Poly(alkylene terephthalate)s: From current developments in synthetic strategies towards applications. (5th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Vos, Lobke; Van de Voorde, Babs; Van Daele, Lenny; Dubruel, Peter; Van Vlierberghe, Sandra
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 161(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12-05
• Subjects: Poly(alkylene terephthalate) -- Synthesis methods -- Polymer properties -- Recycling -- Applications; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2021.110840
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Applied synthesis strategies for poly(alkylene terephthalate)s (PATs) and their recent progress. Observed trends in thermal and mechanical properties of PATs. Overview of the applications of PATs. Advances in sustainable monomer synthesis and PAT recycling. Abstract: Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) are widely known and the mostly studied polymers belonging to the poly(alkylene terephthalate) (PAT) family, but there are many other polymers in this family of which the full potential has not yet been disclosed. Herein, we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art of this specific polyester type. In a first part, the various synthesis methods including melt polycondensation, solution polycondensation and ring-opening polymerisation together with their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Next, an overview of the polymer properties and a comparison of their thermal and mechanical behaviour are provided. Due to the increasing interest in sustainability (e.g. production of PATs from bio-based monomers) and recycling aspects (e.g. depolymerisation), recent progress on PATs in these particular fields is also highlighted. Currently, PET, PTT and PBT are exploited in many applications while research is striving to broaden their application field.