La formation des liaisons éthériques lors de la production du polytéréphthalate d'éthylène glycol

Abstract

Ether-type linkages are formed as by-products during the preparation of polyethylene terephthalate from dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol. Incorporated in the polymer, these linkages affect its physical and mechanical properties such as tensile strength, melting point, and resistance to oxidation. An improved chemical method of analysis has been developed allowing an accurate determination of ether bonds in polyester fibres. The method is based on the selective oxidation of ethylene glycol with periodic acid and takes advantage of hydrolysis with water under pressure to decompose the polymer. The method has been employed to study the effect of the concentration of polycondensation catalyst on the formation of ethers.