What is Polyethylene terephthalate Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly abbreviated PET,PETE, or the obsolete PETP or PET-P, is a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family and is used in synthetic fibers; beverage, food and other liquid containers; thermoforming applications; and engineering resins often in combination with glass fiber. The term polyethylene terephthalate is a source of confusion because this substance, PET, does not contain polythylene. Thus, the alternate form, polyethylene terephthalate, is often used in scholarly journals for the sake of accuracy and clarity. UDIT KALRA, 30

SHAGUN TANEJA,26 PET has good barrier properties against oxygen and carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is utilized in bottles for mineral water. Other applications include food trays for oven use, roasting bags, audio/video tapes as well as mechanical components. it has good resistance to mineral oils, solvents and acids but not to bases. The semi-crystalline PET has good strength, ductility, stiffness and hardness. It is very inflammable and inflammability can be reduced by the use of additives. The amorphous PET has better ductility but less stiffness and hardness.( Amorphous means having no clear shape or structure) PROPERTIES

USES SANKALP SAH, 25 It is used for various purposes like: Bottle for mineral water Trays for oven use Oven foils Audio and video tapes Thermo scarf (fleece) Processes Plastic moulding Plastic injection moulding Extrusion Blow moulding Vacuum forming Fibre spinning

Versatility PET provides a strong gas and moisture barrier, making it a popular choice for plastic bottles for drinks, sauces and salad dressings; microwaveable food trays; and food packaging. Safety Extensive testing of PET has established that a minimal amount of substance transfer occurs between PET packaging and food. PET is easy to reprocess, and readily breaks down into its basic monomers. SHASHANK KHATRI, 27

Many plastic bottles are not reusable and are not safe for hot liquids. Some tougher, reusable plastic bottles may contain Bisphenol A, a polycarbonate believed to cause cancer. The main disadvantage of of itvis that so many of them end up in landfills instead of being recycled. Its degrading process emits toxic chemicals into the air. SURAJ CHOPRA 29

SIMRAN MEHTA, 28