PETkiud

PETkiud is a class of engineered polymer fibers derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is designed to combine high strength and stiffness with chemical resistance, enabling use in high-performance textiles and composite materials. PETkiud fibers are manufactured as continuous filaments and staple fibers for weaving, knitting, and reinforcement purposes.

Production and structure: PETkiud is produced by melt-spinning or solution-spinning from modified PET resins that incorporate chain-extending additives and, in some variants, nano-fillers. The processing steps orient the polymer, increase crystallinity, and produce a high-strength fiber with tailored surface characteristics via sizing or coating.

Properties: The fibers offer high tenacity and modulus, good abrasion resistance, and chemical stability. They show low creep under moderate temperatures and maintain dimensional stability when bonded in composites. Moisture uptake is modest, and thermal properties support use in temperatures typical for automotive and aerospace parts.

Applications: PETkiud is used as reinforcement in thermoplastic and thermoset composites, automotive components, aerospace interior parts, sports equipment, and filtration media. It is also employed in protective textiles and industrial fabrics where high strength-to-weight is advantageous.

Sustainability and processing: The material can be integrated with existing PET recycling streams, though additives and fillers require separation in recycling. Development focuses on minimizing energy use and enabling reuse of PETkiud-containing products at end of life.

History: The concept emerged in the global polymer-material community in the 2010s and is described in industry guides and technical papers as a high-performance PET-based fiber family.