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In general, the catalyst system must be modified according to use and requirements. Well, we have already developed a technique for modifying the catalyst system for each application such as fibers, bottles, and films, based on the new catalyst technology. In each application, Toyobo's new catalyst exhibits excellent quality. Besides, the remarkable reduction in metal residue in the polyester results in a lower level of undesired particle formation and, for some applications, improved productivity.

Since the polyester is of good quality, you can expect to see less spinning breaks, back-pressure increases, and deposits formed around the spinneret, especially in high-speed spinning and spinning of super microfibers. Toyobo's new technology offers customers potential large cost reductions by improving productivity.
In a large scale test of specific products, deposits around the spinneret were dramatically less compared with conventional catalysts, spinning breaks also decreased and back-pressure increase was remarkably lower, signifying that spin pack lifetime would be extended.
The physical properties of fibers such as tensile strength are comparable to conventional catalysts. Fabric from conventional titanium catalysts has a yellowish tone, which might cause problems, especially in pastel color dyeing. But with Toyobo's new catalyst, this is rarely a problem. Toyobo's new catalyst technology can be applied to either textile fibers or industrial fibers.

Toyobo's new catalyst is superior to antimony catalysts in terms of clarity and brightness. Due to the improved crystallization behavior, it is easier to produce bottles of better clarity. Customers would get bottles of excellent color tone comparable to those of an antimony catalyst. Since titanium catalyzed-polyester tends to discolor over thermal history to note solid-state polymerization, extrusion, and blowing, the color tone of bottles must still be improved to meet market requirements. In the case of Toyobo's new catalyst, this is rarely a problem. Other properties of bottles including the contents of oligomers and acetaldehyde are similar to those attained with antimony catalyzed-polyester. The bottles can be used in many different ways such as for carbonated soft drinks and mineral water.

To increase casting speed, electrostatic pinnability of the polymer melt on the chill roll is generally required. With minor modifications of the catalyst system, we confirmed that pinnability conferred. Good clarity is also expected due to the lower level of insoluble particle formation in films. Moreover, physical properties are comparable to conventional films. The films can be applied both to packaging and industrial films, as well as various specialty films.

Toyobo's new catalyst technology offers a solution to meeting market requirements such as better appearance and improved properties including thermal stability.
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