Method to reduce gel formation in PET resin

摘要

There is disclosed a process for reducing the number of gels generated in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin. Gels are crosslinked polymers created by thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation induced during polymer production. The instant process comprises the addition of primary and secondary antioxidants prior to the PET polycondensation reaction in order to reduce the amount of thermal degradation which occurs. The polyethylene terephthalate produced by this process formed approximately 25 to 90% fewer gels while maintaining physical properties suitable for use in fiber, film, and molding applications.