Abstract: Polyester compositions having desirable injection molding properties and that retain good crystallization rates and natural stretch ratio characteristics are described. These polyesters are suitable for the manufacture of beverage containers, bulk continuous filaments, and other articles that can benefit from such improved properties.

Abstract: Polyester compositions are disclosed that include polyester polymers or copolymers having incorporated therein titanium nitride particles and carbon-coated iron particles to improve the reheat properties of the compositions. The compositions may also exhibit reduced yellowness, and improved resistance to the effects of UV light. Processes for making such compositions are also disclosed. The particles may be incorporated in the polyester by melt compounding, or may be added at any stage of the polymerization, such as during the melt-phase of the polymerization. A range of particle sizes may be used, as well as a range of particle size distributions. The polyester compositions are suitable for use in packaging made from processes in which a reheat step is desirable, or decreased yellowness is desired, or increased resistance to the effects of ultraviolet light is desired, or any combination of the foregoing.

Abstract: A method for incorporating a UV light absorbing compound into a polyester prepared using direct esterification of reactants selected from a dicarboxylic acid and a diol. The method comprises reacting the reactants in an esterifying reactor under conditions sufficient to form an esterified product including at least one of an ester, an oligomer, or mixture having an ester and a mixture of low molecular weight polyester; polymerizing the esterified product in a polycondensation reactor to form a polyester; and adding the UV absorbing compound to the esterified products when at least 50% of the carboxy groups initially present in the reactants have been esterified to obtain a yield of UV absorbing compound incorporated into the polyester of greater than 25%. Articles utilizing the UV protected polyester prepared by the method of the invention are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A method for incorporating a UV light absorbing compound into a polyester prepared using direct esterification of reactants selected from a dicarboxylic acid and a diol, the method comprising reacting the reactants in an esterifying reactor under conditions sufficient to form an esterified product including at least one of an ester, an oligomer, or mixture having an ester and a mixture of low molecular weight polyester; polymerizing the esterified product in a polycondensation reactor to form a polyester; and adding the UV absorbing compound to the esterified products when at least 50% of the carboxy groups initially present in the reactants have been esterified to obtain a yield of UV absorbing compound incorporated into the polyester of greater than 40%. Articles utilizing the UV protected polyester are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A method for incorporating a nitrogen containing methine light absorbing compound into a polyester prepared using direct esterification of reactants selected from a dicarboxylic acid and a diol, the method comprising reacting the reactants in an esterifying reactor under conditions sufficient to form an esterified product including at least one of an ester, an oligomer, or mixture having an ester and a mixture of low molecular weight polyester; polymerizing the esterified product in a polycondensation reactor to form a polyester; and adding the light absorbing compound to the esterified products when at least 50% of the carboxy groups initially present in the reactants have been esterified. Articles utilizing the light protected polyester are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and system for providing blends of virgin polyethylene terephthalate (VPET) and a VPET property modifying component (PCM). In one embodiment, separate sources of solid VPET and solid PMC are provided. A conduit is provided between the sources and a bulk-container, which is suitable for delivery to an end user. VPET from the source of VPET and PMC from the PMC source are selectively dispensed into the conduit in a desired amount to form a uniform blend of materials comprising a predetermined ratio of VPET relative to PMC. The blend of materials is transported to the bulk-container for delivery to an end user.