Polyester

A polymer whose repeating units are joined by ester linkages. Polyesters include synthetic plastics and fibers as well as naturally occurring biological materials.

Ester: An organic compound containing a carbonyl group bonded to an oxygen that is bonded to another carbon. Ester linkages connect the repeating units in polyester chains.
Polyethylene terephthalate: A thermoplastic polyester made from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid or its derivatives. This widely produced polyester shows how monomer choice defines a material's properties.
Polyester fiber: A textile fiber made from synthetic polyester polymers, commonly polyethylene terephthalate. Drawing polyester into filaments produces durable fibers for clothing and furnishings.
Polyamide: A polymer whose repeating units are joined by amide linkages. Polyamides replace polyester's ester bonds with amide bonds and often absorb more moisture.
Polymer: A large molecule made of repeated structural units joined by chemical bonds. Polyester is one polymer family, distinguished by ester bonds in its backbone.
Polybutylene terephthalate: A crystalline thermoplastic polyester made from 1,4-butanediol and terephthalic acid or its derivatives. Its faster crystallization than PET suits it to molded engineering components.
Plastic bottle: A hollow container made from a moldable plastic, often designed to hold liquids. PET polyester is a common material for lightweight beverage bottles.
Polyolefin: A polymer made from olefin monomers, with a carbon–carbon backbone and no ester groups. Polyolefins such as polyethylene differ from polyester in backbone chemistry and recycling routes.
Condensation polymerization: A polymer-forming reaction in which monomers join while releasing small molecules such as water or methanol. Many polyesters form when ester bonds are created with elimination of a small molecule.
Polycondensation: A step-growth polymerization in which multifunctional molecules join while releasing small molecules. Industrial polyester production often builds long chains through repeated polycondensation.

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