Purified terephthalic acid (PTA) is primarily used in polyester production with polyester fibre consuming a large proportion of global output. However, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin production for packaging and film applications is growing very rapidly due to its success in penetrating the soft drinks and water bottles market.
A smaller proportion of PTA is utilised in the production of polyester film which had, until recently, been the material of choice for the audio recording industry. The remaining PTA is used in making cyclohexanedimethanol, terephthaloyl chloride, copolyester-ether elastomers, plasticisers and liquid crystal polymers.
Worldwide around 65% of PTA goes into polyester fibre, 27% to PET bottle resin and the remaining 8% to film and other plastic end uses. However, the breakdown for the US market shows the growing dominance of PET resin where solid state resins account for 50%; polyester fibres, 43%; polyester film, 3%; and other, 4%.
PTA dust can be explosive, and it reacts strongly with oxidants. The substance can irritate the eyes and skin.
ICIS pricing quotes PTA in Europe, Asia-Pacific (including the Chinese domestic market) and the USA.
To find out more Purified Terephthalic Acid Methodology August 2013
