Polytrimethylene Terephthalate (PTT)

Properties and Applications

Polytrimethylene terephthalate (poly-1,3-propylene terephthalate, PTT) is one of the most important commercial polyester. It is a semi-aromatic, semicrystalline thermoplastic that can be easily molded, thermoformed and spun into fibers. It has mechanical and thermophysical properties similar to polyethylene terephthalte (PET) whereas its molding properties are comparable to polybutylene terepthalate (PBT). For example, it has good tensile and flexural strength, good dimensional stability, and excellent flow and surface finish. Like PBT, it also has good chemical resistance to a broad range of chemicals, including gasoline, carbon tetra chloride, oils, fat, alcohols, glycols, diluted acids and bases. However, it is affected by hot water and steam.

Polytrimethylene terephthalate is mainly used in fibers for carpets, and textiles known as Triexta fibers.¹ Polyester fabrics and yarns made from this fiber are strong, very elastic (springs back into shape), and have high abrasion and wrinkle resistance. Because of its good dimensional stability and finishing qualities it is also a good choice for engineering applications such as automotive parts, mobile phone housings, and for many other industrial and consumer products. However, compared to PET and PBT it is used on a much smaller scale.

Manufacturers & Distributors

• DuPont
• RTP
• Sinopec

Brand Names

• Sorona
• Cortera
• Others

¹The main manufacturer of PTT resin is DuPont. It produces PTT with up to 37 percent by weight of plant-based raw material, i.e. 1,3-propanediol (PDO) which is derived from plant-based glycerol as a byproduct of biodiesel. It is produced by an equally owned joined venture of DuPont and Tate & Lyle