1. Homepage
2. Thermoplastic polyesters

Teratron^TM - Thermoplastic Polyesters (PET/PBT)

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) are polyesters of the terephthalic acid and - like polycarbonate (PC) -  belong to the group of aromatic (unsaturated) polyesters.

The aromatic groups (benzene rings) found in the thermoplastic polyesters stiffen the molecular chains and make the material mechanically strong and well suited for technical applications.

The semi-crystalline, unreinforced PET has a high mechanical strength and hardness and - due to the low coefficient of thermal expansion and the low moisture absorption - a good dimensional stability.

For tribological applications, we recommend a modified type with evenly distributed and in a balanced ratio added solid lubricant based on fluorocarbon which reduces the coefficient of friction and improves the sliding properties of the material. Together with the basically good wear resistance and the relatively high dynamic load carrying capacity thus results in an excellent plain bearing material.

PBT is offered only with glass fiber reinforcement for machining processes. Although the strength and stiffness of PBT are fundamentally slightly lower than PET, the reinforcement with glass fibers compensates for this deficiency. The glass fiber reinforcement makes the material an extremely stiff and dimensionally stable plastic for precision components.

Main features

• high mechanical strength
• good wear resistance
• heat resistant up to 75°C

Thermoplastic polyester is also available as an elastomer (TPC or TPE-E). These so called thermoplastic elastomers combine the rubber-elastic properties of the crosslinked elastomers with the processability of thermoplastics.  Amorphous and transparent thermoplastic polyesters (PET-A, PET-G) with high optical quality are available as well.

Standard Types

FDA = suitable for food contact according to FDA

Special Types

FDA = suitable for food contact according to FDA

Components made of natural-colored Teratron^TM and Teratron^TM HPV can be delivered with statement of suitability for contact with food according to Regulation (EC) 1935/2004.

Information on the available semi-finished product dimensions is available here!

Back to the overview of engineering plastics here!