DAK Americas HS CF746A D53A User Manual

Laser+®HS CF746A (D53A) Product Information

#10004457

polyethylene terephthalate resin

Product Description

Laser+®HS CF746A (D53A) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin is designed for conversion to PET packaging by injection stretch blow-molding using commercial heat-set technology.

Typical Properties

Laser+®HS CF746A (D53A) is a low DEG moderate CHDM copolymer designed for processes requiring faster crystallization rates, higher glass transition and melting points, but balances injection molding cycle speed and superior container appearance.

Certification

Laser+®HS CF746A (D53A) is ideally suited for food packaging applications and is considered in compliance with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Notification (FCN) 000635, and Health Canada Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) file KS 07042303 for PET polymers.

Sales Specifications

Property Value Unit Test Method

Intrinsic Viscosity 0.82 ± 0.02 dL/g DAK-QAR-SOP-0012 Color L* 77.5 min CIE DAK-QAR-SOP-0011 Color b* -1.3 ± 1.5 CIE DAK-QAR-SOP-0011 Acetaldehyde 1 max ppm DAK-QAR-SOP-0010 Moisture Content (as packaged) 0.25 max weight % DAK-QAR-SOP-0013 Fines (as packaged, +24 Mesh Size) 0.050 max weight % DAK-QAR-SOP-0014

Chip Size, nominal 63 ± 10 chips / g DAK-QAR-SOP-0015 Crystallinity > 35 % DAK-QAR-SOP-0016 Partical Size, Shape (Cubical) 2.5 mm DAK-QAR-SOP-0017 Melting Point, nominal 244 ºC DAK-QAR-SOP-0016 Bulk Density 53 lb / ft³ DAK-QAR-SOP-0018

These values represent the anticipated performance data for these polyester resins and intermediates; they are not intended to be used as design data. We believe this information is the best currently available on the subject. It is offered as a possible helpful suggestion in the experimentation you may care to undertake along these lines. It is subject to revision as additional knowledge and experience is gained. DAK Resins makes no guarantee of results and assumes no obligation or liability whatsoever in connection with this information. This publication is not a license to operate under, or intended to suggest infringement of, any existing patents.

CAUTION: Do not use in medical applications involving permanent implantation in the human body. For other medical applications, see “DAK Medical Caution Statement”.

DAK Americas LLC

Gateway Corporate Center, Suite 210

223 Wilmington W Chester Pike• Chadds Ford, PA 19317

DAK Americas

ISO 9001:2008

1-888-738-2002 • fax: 610-558-7385 • www.dakamericas.com

PDS-D53A 120313KH

Laser+®HS CF746A (D53A) Product Information

#10004457

polyethylene terephthalate resin

Material Drying

Proper drying of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is essential to produce a high quality part (container, film, etc.) with optimum physical properties. PET is hygroscopic, meaning that when it is exposed to humid atmospheres, it will absorb moisture. In PET the moisture is not only on the surface but diffuses slowly through the whole pellet and is firmly held by molecular attraction. Before processing the PET, this moisture must be removed. Carefully controlled drying of all PET is an essential requirement for optimum processing performance and final product properties. If drying is not carried out properly, to the known requirements of the type of PET in use, then deficiencies in process and product will results. The deficiencies will be impossible to remedy by later process changes. These defects arise in the injection molding or extrusion processes because at PET melt temperature (250°-280° C) any water present causes hydrolytic degradation of the PET, almost instantaneously, with the resultant loss in intrinsic viscosity (IV). Significant drops in IV cause loss of process control and reductions in end product properties.

Drying of PET polymer involves the diffusion of absorbed moisture from the interior of the polymer chip to its surroundings and, subsequently the removal of moisture from the bulk of polymer chips. Moisture removal can be achieved by heating the polymer chip under dry air or vacuum. In an air drying system, heated dehumidified air flows up through a chip bed and returns to the dehumidifier. The key requirements for a reliable drying process are:

Drying temperature: The ACTUAL chip temperature should achieve between 300° and 340° F measured at the dryer exit.

Dehumidified air temperature: Correctly designed equipment should operate at temperatures up to 340° F measured on entry to the dryer hopper, with an absolute maximum of 370° F to prevent possible discoloration.

Dehumidified air dew point: This should not be allowed to rise above –34° F and should preferably be –40° F or lower, measure after the desiccant bed. Always check the correct regeneration temperatures are being used.

Dehumidified air flow through the chip bed: Most dryers operate at around l cfm of airflow per 1lb/hr of PET chip as a minimum requirement, with the airflow at the correct temperature and dew point.

Chip residence time (drying time): DAK recommends a chip residence time for Laser+®PET of not less than four hours and preferably six hours. This is the theoretical drying time, which is calculated by dividing dryer capacity in lbs. by throughput in lb./hr. Extended periods of high temperature can adversely affect the polymer processing conditions. In the event of a stoppage for an extended period, dry polymer can be stored in the dryer-hopper by reducing the air temperature to 240° F (or even lower).