Thermal Behavior of Polymer Pellets of Virgin Polyester Compared to Recycled Polyester

Thermal transitions and crystalline properties play a crucial role in the comparative analysis of virgin polyester (V-PET) and recycled polyester (R-PET). In our comprehensive study, we employed two fundamental techniques, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) represent two fundamental techniques in the realm of materials science and polymer characterization. These techniques play an essential role in our study to meticulously understand the thermal behavior of virgin polyester (V-PET) and recycled polyester (R-PET) and offer invaluable information into their suitability for a wide spectrum of applications and evaluating essential thermal properties and rendering critical insights. Our findings underscore several advantages of R-PET. The thermal analyses affirm the remarkable thermal resilience of R-PET, showcasing its capacity to endure high temperatures without significant structural changes or degradation. Notably, DSC results unveiled that R-PET requires substantially less energy for crystallization, with an energy requirement not exceeding 17.28 J/g, compared to the 78.66 J/g demanded by V-PET. This substantial reduction in energy consumption contributing to a reduced carbon footprint, aligning with the global emphasis on sustainable materials and reduced environmental impact. Furthermore, R-PET consistently demonstrates thermal properties similar to those of V-PET, making it an ecologically conscious and viable alternative across various applications.