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Types and modifications of PBT plastic

Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2024 10:13 am
Polybutylene terephthalate, commonly referred to as PBT plastic, is a high-performance thermoplastic that has established itself in various industries due to its excellent mechanical properties, dimensional stability and ease of processing.

This guide provides an in-depth examination of PBT, detailing its properties, applications and processing techniques to help designers and manufacturers maximize the potential of this material.

What is polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)?
Technical definition
PBT plastic belongs to the polyester family and is formed by the polycondensation of 1,4-butylene glycol with terephthalic acid (PTA) or dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). It is a milky white, semi-transparent to opaque, crystalline thermoplastic polyester resin. Originally developed by the German scientist P. Schlack in 1942, PBT was industrialized by Celanese (now Ticona) under the brand name Celanex.

PBT can be modified to meet specific application fresh dataset requirements:

Flame Retardant PBT: Used in applications where fire resistance is critical.
Glass Fiber Reinforced PBT: Reinforced with glass fibers for improved tensile and flexural strength.
PBT Alloys: Mixed with other polymers such as PC (polycarbonate) or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) to create materials with specific properties.
Main characteristics and properties of PBT
Physical properties of PBT
Physical property Details
Density Its density of 1.31 g.cm-3 contributes to its strength and durability.
Limiting oxygen index A limiting oxygen index of 25%, indicating its flammability characteristics.
UV blocking Provides good UV resistance, which improves outdoor durability.
Chemical properties of PBT
Chemical Resistance
Alcohols It has high resistance to alcohols, making it suitable for various applications.
Aromatic hydrocarbons Good resistance, ensuring durability in environments containing aromatic hydrocarbons.
Fats and oils Excellent resistance to greases and oils, ideal for automotive and industrial applications.
Alkalis Moderate resistance to alkalis, requiring special attention in alkaline environments.
Ketones High resistance to ketones, which enhances its usefulness in chemical processing and handling.
Diluted acids Retains integrity when exposed to dilute acids, suitable for various chemical applications.
Solvents High resistance to various solvents, ensuring durability and performance in solvent-rich environments.
Moisture absorption Low water absorption rate of 0.1% over 24 hours, ensuring dimensional stability.