Polytrimethylene terephthalate, or PTT, is a polymer synthesized and patented in 1941[1][2]. It is produced by a method called condensation polymerization or transesterification. The two monomer units used in producing this polymer are: 1,3-propanediol and terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate. Similar to polyethylene terephthalate, the polyester PTT is used to make carpet fibers.
PTT's value as a commercial polymer has improved lately, with the development of more economical and efficient methods to produce 1,3-propanediol (PDO) via continuous hydroformylation of ethylene oxide. DuPont is currently experimenting with the synthesis of PDO via bioplastic routes, i.e. using corn as the base material for PDO production. These developments may allow PTT to effectively compete against PBT and PET, two polyesters that have been far more successful than PTT to date.
References
- ^ Whinfield and Dickson. Improvements Relating to the Manufacture of Highly Polymeric Substances, British Patent 578,079, 1941; Polymeric Linear Terephthalic Esters, U.S. Patent 2,465,319, 1949.
- ^ http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/backissu/july2001/houck.htm
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