Modification of PET with sterically hindered diols

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) was modified by incorporating bis(hydroxyethyl) tetrasubstituted terephthalates (methyl, chlorine, and bromine) as a third component in the mole ratios of 2–50% (based on dimethyl terephthalate) which resulted in random copolyesters. The presence of steric hindrance imparted additional chain rigidity to the copolymer structure, as shown by increased glass transition temperature (T_g). The effectiveness of the steric groups for conferring rigidity to the copolymer structure was CH₃ > Cl?Br. The copolyesters which contained halogen substituents showed substantial enhancement in flame retardency compared with PET.