(C10H8O4)n PET
ChemistryPolyester is specified as (C10H8O4)n PET. Density band ~1.38 g/cm³.
What holds Polyester together is not the nickname. Formula (C10H8O4)n PET, density ~1.38 g/cm³.
Meters are atlas-relative. Grades are the SKUs buyers write.
Phases
Microstructure
OrderProcessing sets grain, crystallinity or fibre orientation — the reason two lots of Polyester can test differently.
Interfaces
SurfacesCoatings, oxide films, sizings or paper faces often decide weather and fire behaviour more than the bulk brochure.
Defects
FlawsInclusions, voids, knots, pinholes or residual stress start the failures that mill certificates do not list.
Grades
VariantsPolyester is a family. Grade names below are the ones buyers actually write on RFQs.
Ageing
TimeMoisture, UV, creep, hydrogen or carbonation shift properties in service. Design to the aged state.
Relative meters
Strength58
Strength is an editorial 0–100 mark relative to the other 31 materials in this atlas — not a laboratory certificate.
Heat envelope42
Heat envelope is an editorial 0–100 mark relative to the other 31 materials in this atlas — not a laboratory certificate.
Fire behaviour24
Fire behaviour is an editorial 0–100 mark relative to the other 31 materials in this atlas — not a laboratory certificate.
Insulation50
Insulation is an editorial 0–100 mark relative to the other 31 materials in this atlas — not a laboratory certificate.
Workability88
Workability is an editorial 0–100 mark relative to the other 31 materials in this atlas — not a laboratory certificate.
Circularity34
Circularity is an editorial 0–100 mark relative to the other 31 materials in this atlas — not a laboratory certificate.
Grades
Apparel staple
1.5–3 dtex, often blended.1.5–3 dtex, often blended.
Microfibre
<1 dtex, fleece and wipes.<1 dtex, fleece and wipes.
HT industrial
Seat belts, sails, cords.Seat belts, sails, cords.
rPET
Bottle or textile feedstock.Bottle or textile feedstock.
FR PET
Treated or copolymer for contract interiors.Treated or copolymer for contract interiors.
Bonds
Primary bonding
Polyester holds together by covalent chain chemistry.
Secondary forces
Hydrogen bonds, van der Waals stacks or grain-boundary cohesion set toughness and moisture uptake.
Composites & fills
Fillers, fibres, plasticisers or aggregates are part of the real product, not impurities.
Environment film
Oxides, chars, sizings or paints are the layer the world actually meets.
Change the grade, the coating or the moisture and you have a different material with the same English name.
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