by What is Polyethylene Naphthalate?
Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), also known by its commercial name Teonex, is an aromatic polyester made from naphthalene dicarboxylic acid or its ester-forming derivatives and ethylene glycol. With the chemical formula (C10H8O4C2H4O)n, PEN is formed through a polycondensation reaction and results in a linear thermoplastic semi-crystalline polymer with high melting point and excellent chemical resistance properties.
Properties of PEN
Polyethylene Naphthalate offers outstanding mechanical properties and thermal stability compared to other polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It has a glass transition temperature around 120°C and melting point around 260°C, making it highly suitable for applications requiring dimensional stability and durability at high temperatures. PEN is also resistant to chemicals like organic solvents and diluted acids/bases that can degrade similar plastics. Its gas and moisture barrier properties rival those of metals and glass, earning it use as a coating material in food packaging. PEN is tough, abrasion resistant and has low density at 1.37 g/cm3. It can be easily recycled by industrial remelting and re processing into new products.
Uses and Applications of Polyethylene naphthalate
Owing to its superior thermal and chemical resistance, PEN finds extensive use as a raw material in varied applications:
– Thin film electronics: PEN film is used as a substrate in thin film electronics due to its dimensional stability at processing temperatures. Applications include photovoltaics, organic light emitting diodes and flexible electronic displays.
– Optical films: PEN optical films are acclaimed for high internal transmittance, thermal stability and dimensional consistency required in optical applications like LCD displays, organic light emitting diodes and laser optics.
– Packaging: PEN packaging offers outstanding moisture and gas barrier properties for food packaging applications requiring extended shelf life under ambient conditions. It is used to package snack foods, coffee, dried goods etc.
– Medical implants: PEN meets stringent biocompatibility standards for medical device applications. It is used to produce orthopaedic implants, intraocular lenses, blood-contacting equipment and other implant components.
– Aerospace components: PEN’s heat resistance, strength and lightweight properties enable its use in aircraft components like ducting, air brakes and engine mounting parts requiring heat stability.
Future scope and sustainability
With growing technology applications and stringent environmental regulations, Polyethylene naphthalate is poised to gain further prominence in the coming years. Its recyclability, replenishability from renewable resources and excellent performance credentials will fuel its adoption across newer fields. Ongoing research also focuses on engineering enhanced PEN grades with tailored properties for speciality uses. Sustainable production techniques further cement PEN’s credentials as an eco-friendly, high performance polyester with substantive future potential.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
