Pen resin, in the context provided, most likely refers to polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) resin, a type of polyester known for its high strength, heat resistance, and gas barrier properties.
Understanding Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN) Resin
PEN is a polymer in the polyester family, similar to polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is commonly used in plastic bottles. PEN offers enhanced properties compared to PET, making it suitable for more demanding applications.
Key Characteristics of PEN Resin:
- High Strength: PEN exhibits superior tensile strength and modulus compared to PET.
- Heat Resistance: PEN can withstand higher temperatures without deformation, making it suitable for hot-fill applications.
- Gas Barrier Properties: PEN provides excellent barrier against gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide, extending the shelf life of packaged products.
- UV Resistance: PEN offers better resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, preventing degradation from sunlight exposure.
- Chemical Resistance: PEN is resistant to many chemicals, making it suitable for various industrial applications.
Applications of PEN Resin:
- Beverage Bottles: PEN is used in bottles for carbonated drinks, juices, and other beverages due to its gas barrier properties and high strength.
- Films and Sheets: PEN is used in films for packaging, electrical insulation, and photographic applications.
- Industrial Fibers: PEN is used in industrial fibers for tire cords, conveyor belts, and other high-performance applications.
- Electronic Components: PEN is used in electronic components due to its high heat resistance and electrical insulation properties.
History of PEN Development:
Teijin commercialized PEN under the trade name Teonex® in 1964 after development began 31 years before U.S. company Amoco Chemicals started commercial production of naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (NDC) , a raw material of PEN, in 1995.
