This is a widely used thermoplastic packaging material. Beverage bottles and food trays for microwave and convection oven use are the most prominent applications. PET resins are made from ethylene glycol and either terephthalic acid or the dimethyl ester of terephthalic acid. Most uses for PET require the molecular structure of the material to be oriented. Orientation of PET significantly increases tensile strength and reduces gas permeability and water vapor transmission. For packaging uses, PET is processed by blow molding and sheet extrusion. Typical trade names are Cleartuf, Traytuf, Tenite, and Kodapak. Injection-molding grades of PET,with fillers and/or reinforcements, also are available for making industrial products.
