Effects of water absorption on physical properties and degree of molecular orientation of poly (ethylene terephthalate)

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is known to be a hygroscopic thermoplastic, which absorbs moisture from its environment at a rapid rate. The water absorption characteristics of PET as a function of relative humidity, exposure time, temperature, thickness, and molecular weight are reported here. Results indicate that absorbed moisture has significant influences on the physical properties of PET, leading to large decreases in the glass transition temperature, crystallization temperature, and degree of molecular orientation.