Work

Micron-sized, water-dispersible polyester particles enabling strong, low-temperature sintering welding of PET films

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Micron-sized non-crystalline glycol-modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PETG) particles dispersed in water is demonstrated as a patternable welding material for low temperature welding of PET films, enabling what is effectively a monomaterial PET with high recycling potential as a replacement for PE/PET multilayer foils for packaging. PETG particles were prepared with stabilizing groups consisting of either poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (MPEG), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) or cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), and the influence of stabilizer chemistry on weld strength was investigated. PVA-stabilized particles allowed welding at lower temperatures (160 °C) with a strength comparable to that of high-temperature-welded PET (>250 °C). The use of MPEG stabilized particles based on semicrystalline poly(caprolactone) (PCL) or poly(lactic acid) (PLA) instead of PETG showed no effects from crystallization and therefore indicates that interfacial chemistry is decisive for achieving high welding strength for these multi-phase systems. Extraction studies combined with LC-MS were used to estimate whether regulatory guidelines could be met when using PVA-stabilized particles for welding. The results indicated that the primary extracts were associated with the PVA stabilizer, which is approved for food contact.

Source: Reactive and Functional Polymers

DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2026.106753

Authors: Jeppe Madsen, Bina Bhattarai, Anders E. Daugaard

Institution: Technical University of Denmark

Language: English

Topic: Polymer crystallization and properties

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,920