Today, PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) raw material finds a wide range of applications from the packaging industry to the textile sector. However, proper processing of PET requires drying and crystallizing the raw material. These processes ensure that PET attains the desired physical properties and determine the quality of the final product.
- PET Raw Material Drying Process
PET raw material can absorb moisture during production and storage processes. This moisture can lead to undesired outcomes during extrusion or injection processes. The drying process of the raw material is crucial to remove this moisture.
Drying Equipment: Specialized drying equipment is used to dry PET raw material. These equipment typically include moisture removal fans and heaters.
Temperature and Time Control: Temperature and time must be controlled during the drying process. Typically, the raw material is dried at a specific temperature (e.g., heated with heaters) for a certain duration.
Moisture Measurement: Regularly measuring the moisture level during the drying process is important. This ensures that the correct moisture level is achieved upon completion of the process.
- PET Raw Material Crystallization
PET can have an amorphous (non-crystalline) structure. However, crystallized PET exhibits higher mechanical strength and temperature resistance. The crystallization process enables PET to acquire these properties.
Heating and Cooling: The crystallization process usually begins by heating PET and then proceeds by controlled cooling. This process allows PET molecules to form a crystalline structure.
Crystallization Rate: The crystallization rate determines the final properties of PET. Therefore, factors such as temperature, pressure, and duration during the crystallization process must be carefully controlled.
Quality Control: Quality control should be conducted throughout the crystallization process. Sampling and testing should be performed to ensure that the product has the desired crystalline structure and has been crystallized homogeneously.
Properly drying and crystallizing PET raw material are crucial steps that determine the quality of the final product. Careful planning and implementation of these processes ensure that PET-based products meet the desired performance standards.