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ABSTRACT
Plastic bottles are ubiquitous in daily life, used for a wide range of applications from packaging
beverages to storing household cleaning products. Predominantly made from polyethylene terephthalate
(PET), these bottles offer various advantages including lightweight, durability, and recyclability. This
report explores the physical and mechanical properties of PET under different service conditions,
evaluates common failure modes and strategies for improvement, and examines potential alternative
materials such as polylactic acid (PLA). Recommendations for enhancing the performance and
sustainability of plastic bottles are provided.
TABLE OF CONTENT
ABSTRACT .............................................................................................................................................. 1
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 2
PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PET .................................................................... 2
Physical Properties ................................................................................................................................ 2
Mechanical Properties ........................................................................................................................... 2
FAILURE PREDICTION AND SOLUTION ........................................................................................... 2
POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS .......................................................................................... 3
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ......................................................................................... 3
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 3
1
INTRODUCTION
Polyethylene terephthalate is the main material used to make plastic bottles, which are often used in
daily life (PET). This material was selected because of its exceptional strength, clarity, and moisture and
impact resistance. PET bottles are widely used to package home cleansers, drinks, and personal care
items. This research explores PET's characteristics, failure modes, and possible substitute materials to
improve sustainability and performance.
PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PET
Physical Properties
PET is known for its excellent clarity and transparency, making it ideal for products where visibility is
important. It has a density of approximately 1.38 g/cm³ and offers good chemical resistance, making it
suitable for storing various liquids. PET is also lightweight, contributing to lower transportation costs
and ease of handling (1).
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of PET include a high tensile strength of around 55-75 MPa and a modulus
of elasticity ranging from 2.1 to 2.4 GPa. PET also exhibits good impact resistance and dimensional
stability under various environmental conditions. Its melting temperature is approximately 250°C,
allowing it to withstand moderately high temperatures without deformation (2).
Property Value
Density 1.38 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 55-75 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity 2.1-2.4 GPa
Melting Temperature ~250°C
Impact Resistance High
FAILURE PREDICTION AND SOLUTION
PET bottles can break for a variety of reasons, including mechanical damage, UV radiation
deterioration, and environmental stress cracking. Environmental stress cracking, which results in brittle
failure, happens when PET is exposed to certain chemicals under stress. Breaks or cracks can result
from mechanical impacts, particularly if the bottle is dropped or exposed to strong pressures. Over time,
UV deterioration causes the material to degrade and become discoloured. To mitigate the failure modes
of PET bottles, several strategies can be employed. Adding UV stabilizers prevents sunlight
2
degradation, extending the bottle's lifespan. Increasing wall thickness enhances impact resistance,
reducing breakage from drops or pressure. Applying chemical-resistant coatings or additives minimizes
environmental stress cracking. Redesigning bottle shapes to distribute stress more evenly decreases the
likelihood of mechanical failure, improving overall durability.
POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bioplastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane.
PLA offers similar transparency to PET and is biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly
alternative. However, PLA has lower impact resistance and thermal stability compared to PET, which
limits its use in some applications. Advances in PLA formulations aim to enhance these properties to
make it a more viable option (3).
Property PET PLA
Density 1.38 g/cm³ 1.25 g/cm³
Tensile Strength 55-75 MPa 50-70 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity 2.1-2.4 GPa 2.7-3.6 GPa
Melting Temperature ~250°C ~150-160°C
Biodegradability No Yes
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
PET plastic bottles have exceptional mechanical and physical qualities that make them ideal for a wide
range of applications. However, their performance and longevity may be increased by addressing their
failure modes through design enhancements and additions. Because PLA is biodegradable, it offers a
viable substitute; nevertheless, more improvements are required to bring PLA's mechanical qualities up
to par with those of PET. To discover the best balance between performance and sustainability for
plastic bottles, materials science research and development must continue.
REFERENCES
1. Dhaka V, Singh S, Anil AG, Sunil Kumar Naik TS, Garg S, Samuel J, et al. Occurrence, toxicity
and remediation of polyethylene terephthalate plastics. A review. Environ Chem Lett [Internet].
2022;20(3):1777–800. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-021-01384-8
2. "Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Properties and Applications." MatWeb. MatWeb PET
Properties.
3. "PLA Bioplastic: The Pros and Cons of Polylactic Acid." Sustainable Plastics. Sustainable
Plastics PLA.

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ABSTRACT

PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PET .................................................................... 2

Physical Properties ................................................................................................................................ 2

Mechanical Properties ........................................................................................................................... 2

FAILURE PREDICTION AND SOLUTION ........................................................................................... 2

POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS .......................................................................................... 3

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ......................................................................................... 3

PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PET

FAILURE PREDICTION AND SOLUTION

POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

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