The Degradation of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

The penetration of new markets by polyester fibers has emphasized the need for increased stability of the polyester toward a variety of degradative reactions. Extensive studies of the nature of the thermal, hydrolytic, oxidative, and radiation-induced degradation reactions have been reported. The interpretation of kinetic investigations and the identification of the reaction products have been facilitated by using suitable esters as model compounds in place of the polymeric species.