Furanoic Polymer Preforms, Containers and Processing
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATEDAPPLICATIONS
This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application
Serial No. 61/872,524, filed August 30, 2013, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to preforms and methods of processing 2,5-
furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA)-based polymers, such as poly(ethylene-2,5-furandicaboxylate
(PEF), to produce preforms and articles, such as containers (e.g., bottles). The present invention
also includes preforms and articles, such as containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a polyester made from terephthalic acid (TA) and
ethylene glycol (EG). PET resins are commonly used to produce containers for beverages in
view of PET's good combination of clarity, mechanical, and gas barrier properties
Most commercial methods to produce PET utilize raw materials derived from
petrochemicals. As the popularity of PET packaging has grown, concerns regarding the
environmental impact of petrochemically-derived PET (petro-PET) have become more
significant. Various strategies for limiting the environmental impact of petro-PET have been
explored, including (i) source reduction (i.e., reducing the amount of petro-PET in a given
container); (ii) replacement of petrochemical raw materials with renewable raw materials (e.g.,
sugarcane) to provide biologically-derived PET (bio-PET) and (iii) replacement of petro-PET
with polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-based polymer.
While these strategies have had some positive impact, they have generally required
compromise as to physical performance of the container and/or cost of materials. As such, there
remains a need for novel strategies to limit the environmental impact of petro-PET while still
satisfying consumer needs for plastic containers with appropriate physical performance
characteristics.
While PET is generally considered to offer good gas barrier properties, this property
varies considerably with size. A smaller container has a larger surface area to volume ratio
resulting in a higher relative loss rate. For this reason, PET containers are currently used only as
larger containers for packaging carbonated soft drinks, while metal cans and glass containers are
the choice for smaller carbonated soft drink containers.As such, there remains a need for novel
strategies to provide small plastic containers offering improved gas barrier properties.
2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is an oxidized furan derivative derived from
renewable resources. Possible applications for FDCA-based polymers include the numerous and
varied current uses of polymers containing terephthalic acid (TA), for which FDCA can
substitute. Polyethylene furanoate (PEF) is an FDCA-based polymer made from FDCA and
ethylene glycol, and is of interest for use in various applications including packaging.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide preforms and
methods for processing FDCA -based polymers, such as PEF, in order to provide preforms and
articles, such as containers (e.g., bottles).
It is another object of the present invention to provide FDCA-based polymer preforms
that may be processed similarly to PET preforms.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide FDCA-based polymer
containers, such as PEF containers, offering performance characteristics similar or even superior
to PET containers.
It is a particular object of the present invention to provide preforms and methods for
producing FDCA-based polymer beverage containers (e.g., bottles) with a volume of less than
about 500 ml.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has been surprisingly discovered that conventional methods for processing PET cannot
be successfully applied to polyethylene furanoate (PEF) in the production of containers, such as
food and beverage containers. The present invention provides novel preforms and methods for
processing polymers comprising FDCA to produce such preforms and containers by stretch blow
molding. The present invention also extends to containers formed using the disclosed preforms
and methods. Advantageously, the containers of the present invention are bio-based, as opposed
to the petroleum-based, while retaining or improving upon their performance characteristics
(e.g., barrier properties, shelf life).
In a first aspect, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer comprising a
diol component and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has a hoop stretch ratio and axial
stretch ratio that allows for the production of stretch blow molded container with performance
properties comparable or superior to stretch blow molded containers made conventional PET
resins.
In one embodiment, the present invention is a preform comprising a diol component and
an FDCA component, wherein the preform has (i) a hoop stretch ratio between about 2.6 and
about 8.2; and (ii) an axial stretch ratio between about 2.0 and about 5.0. In exemplary
embodiments, the preform comprises ethylene glycol and FDCA.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a preform comprising a diol
component and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has (i) a hoop stretch ratio between
about 5.2 and about 7.2 and (ii) an axial stretch ratio between about 2.3 and about 3.3. In certain
embodiments, the preform comprises ethylene glycol and FDCA.
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a preform comprising a diol
component and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has (i) a hoop stretch ratio between
about 2.6 and about 8.2, or more particularly, about 5.2 and about 7.2; (ii) an axial stretch ratio
between about 2.0 and about 5.0, or more particularly, about 2.3 and about 2.3, and (iii) a length
of between about 20 mm and about 400 mm, or more particularly, about 20 mm to about 50 mm,
about 50 to about 100 mm, about 100 to about 200 mm, about 200 to about 300 mm or about 300
to about 400 mm. In certain embodiments, the preform comprises ethylene glycol and FDCA.
In one embodiment, the preform has an IV of between about between 0.65 and .00 dL/g.
In a particular embodiment, the preform has an IV between about 0.80 and about 0.95
dL/g, more particularly, about 0.83 and about 0.92 dL/g.
In a second aspect, the prevention invention is a container made from a preform
comprising a diol component and an FDCA component, wherein the container has properties
comparable or superior to stretch blow molded containers made from conventional PET resins.
In one embodiment, the present invention is container made from a preform comprising
a diol component and an FDCA component , wherein the preform has (i) a hoop stretch ratio
between about 2.6 and about 8.2, and (ii) an axial stretch ratio between about 2.0 and about 5.0.
In certain embodiments, the preform comprises ethylene glycol and FDCA.
In a preferred embodiment, the container is made from a preform comprising a diol
component and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has (i) a hoop stretch ratio between
about 5.2 and about 7.2 and (ii) an axial stretch ratio between about 2.3 and about 3.3. In
exemplary embodiments, the preform comprises ethylene glycol and FDCA.
In one embodiment, the preform has an IV of between about between 0.65 and .00 dL/g.
In a particular embodiment, the preform has an IV between about 0.80 and about 0.95
dL/g, more particularly, about 0.83 and about 0.92 dL/g.
In exemplary embodiments, the container is a food or beverage container.
In exemplary embodiments, the container is a beverage bottle.
In exemplary embodiments, the container is a hot-fill container.
In exemplary embodiments, the preform has length of between about 20 mm and about
400 mm, or more particularly, about 20 mm to about 50 mm, about 0 to about 100 mm, about
100 to about 200 mm, about 200 to about 300 mm or about 300 to about 400 mm.
In exemplary embodiments, the container is a beverage bottle having a volume of greater
than about 500 mL, greater than about 1L or greater than about 2L or about 3L.
In exemplary embodiments, the container is a beverage bottle having a volume of about
500 mL or less, more particularly, about 400 mL, about 300 mL, about 200 mL or about 100 mL.
In one embodiment, the container has a shelf life that is at least equal to a corresponding
PET container made from a conventional PET preform.
In another embodiment, the container has a shelf life that is improved relative to a
corresponding PET container made from a conventional PET preform.
In another particular embodiment, the container has a shelf life that is at least one, at least
two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least
nine, or at least ten weeks longer than a corresponding PET container or a PEF container made
from a conventional PET preform.
In another particular embodiment, the container has a shelf life of at least eight, at least
ten, at least twelve, at least fourteen, at least sixteen, at least eighteen, at least twenty, at least
twenty two, at least twenty four, at least twenty six, at least twenty eight, at least thirty weeks, at
least forty or at least fifty weeks or longer.
In a third aspect, the present invention is a method of making a preform, comprising (i)
providing a polymer melt comprising a diol component and a FDCA component; and (ii)
injection molding the polymer melt to produce a preform having (i) a hoop stretch ratio between
about 2.6 and about 8.2, or more particularly,, about 5.2 and about 7.2, and (ii) an axial stretch
ratio between about 2.0 and about 5.0, or more particularly, about 2.3 and about 3.3. In certain
embodiments, the preform comprises ethylene glycol and FDCA.
In one embodiment, the preform has an IV of between about 0.65 and about 1.00 dL/g ,
more particularly, about 0.80 and about 0.95 dL/g, or even more particularly, about 0.83 and
about 0.92 dL/g.
In another embodiment, the preform has length of between about 20 mm and about 400
mm, or more particularly, about 20 mm to about 50 mm, about 50 to about 100 mm, about 100 to
about 200 mm, about 200 to about 300 mm or about 300 to about 400 mm.
In a fourth aspect, the present invention is method for making a container, comprising (i)
providing a preform comprising a diol component and an FDCA component, where the preform
preform has (a) a hoop stretch ratio between about 2.6 and about 8.2, or more particularly,, about
5.2 and about 7.2, and (b) an axial stretch ratio between about 2.0 and about 5.0, or more
particularly, about 2.3 and about 3.3; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform to provide a
container. In certain embodiments, the preform comprises ethylene glycol and FDCA.
In one embodiment, the preform has an IV of between about between 0.65 and 1.00
dL/g.
In a particular embodiment, the preform has an IV between about 0.80 and about 0.95
dL/g, more particularly, about 0.83 and about 0.92 dL/g.
In exemplary embodiments, the container is a food or beverage container.
In exemplary embodiments, the container is a beverage bottle.
In exemplary embodiments, the container is a hot-fill container.
In exemplary embodiments, the preform has length of between about 20 mm and about
400 mm, or more particularly, about 20 mm to about 50 mm, about 50 to about 100 mm, about
100 to about 200 mm, about 200 to about 300 mm or about 300 to about 400 mm.
In exemplary embodiments, the container is a beverage bottle having a volume of greater
than about 500 mL, greater than about 1L or greater than about 2L or about 3L.
In exemplary embodiments, the container is a beverage bottle having a volume of about
500 mL or less, more particularly, about 400 mL, about 300 mL, about 200 mL or about 100 mL.
In one embodiment, the container has a shelf life that is at least equal to a corresponding
PET container made from a conventional PET preform.
In another embodiment, the container has a shelf life that is improved relative to a
corresponding PET container made from a conventional PET preform.
In another particular embodiment, the container has a shelf life that is at least one, at least
two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least
nine, or at least ten weeks longer than a corresponding PET container or a PEF container made
from a conventional PET preform.
In another particular embodiment, the container has a shelf life of at least eight, at least
ten, at least twelve, at least fourteen, at least sixteen, at least eighteen, at least twenty, at least
twenty two, at least twenty four, at least twenty six, at least twenty eight, at least thirty weeks, at
least forty or at least fifty weeks or longer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1: Is a sectional view of an injection molded preform in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 : Is a sectional view of an injection molded preform having a conventional
configuration.
FIG. 3 : A stress-strain curve for PEF to illustrate the observed lack of strain hardening or
strain softening behavior as described in Example 4.
FIG. 4 : shows the preform half-cross-section profile below the finish for the preform of
Figure 1 .
FIG. 5 : shows the preform half-cross-section profile below the finish for the preform of
Figure 2 .
FIG. 6 : A sectional view of a stretch blow molded container made from the preform of
Figure 1 in accordance with one embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 7 : Is a sectional view of an injection molded preform in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention (CT-10029-1).
FIG. 8 : Is a sectional view of an injection molded preform in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention (CT-10030-1).
FIG. 9 : Is a sectional view of an injection molded preform in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention (CT-10030-1).
FIG. 10: Is a sectional view of an injection molded preform in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention (CT-1003 1-1).
FIG. 11: Is a sectional view of straight wall bottle design in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention (PT-1678) (10 oz.).
FIG. 12: Is a sectional view of straight wall bottle design in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention (PT-1678) (10 oz.).
FIG. 13: Is a sectional view of straight wall bottle design in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention (PT-2866 (16 oz.).
FIG. 14: Experimental design for preform study showing elliptical distributions for
preferred, more preferred and most preferred bifurcated regimes for low axial, high hoop stretch
ratio and high axial, low hoop stretch ratio preform designs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to methods of processing FDCA-based polymers, such
as PEF, to produce containers. The present invention also includes FDCA-based preforms and
containers, such as bottles.
Definitions
As used herein, the terms "polymer," "polymers," "polymeric," and similar terms are
used in their ordinary sense as understood by one skilled in the art, and thus may be used herein
to refer to or describe a large molecule (or group of such molecules) that contains recurring units.
Polymers may be formed in various ways, including by polymerizing monomers and/or by
chemically modifying one or more recurring units of a precursor polymer. A polymer may be a
"homopolymer" comprising substantially identical recurring units formed by, e.g., polymerizing
a particular monomer. A polymer may also be a "copolymer" comprising two or more different
recurring units formed by, e.g., copolymerizing two or more different monomers, and/or by
chemically modifying one or more recurring units of a precursor polymer. The term
"terpolymer" may be used herein to refer to polymers containing three or more different
recurring units.
Generally, while the polymers, compositions and processes are described in terms of
"comprising" various components or steps, the polymers, compositions and processes can also
"consist essentially of or "consist of the various components and steps.
The term "entanglement density" as used herein refers to the number of chain
entanglements in a given volume or amount of polymer and is proportional to the plateau
modulus for the polymer at a given temperature. The concept of chain entanglement density may
be understood by considering the definitions provided herein for chain entanglement, physical
network and entanglement network. These definitions correspond to those provided by the
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), as given in the IUPAC reference
document PAC, 2007, 79, 1801 (Definitions of terms relating to the structure and processing of
sols, gels, networks, and inorganic-organic hybrid materials," (IUPAC Recommendations 2007)
doi: 10. 135 1/pac200779101 801 .)
The term "entanglement molecular weight (Me) as used herein means as used herein
refers to the molecular weight of a chain segment between two nearest junction points in an
entanglement network or physical network as described above.
The term "creep" as used herein means the tendency of a solid material to move slowly
or deform permanently under the influence of mechanical stresses. It can occur as a result of
long-term exposure to high levels of stress that are still below the yield strength of the material.
Plastic products are said to show a "creep behavior" where the product is deformed at room
temperature as time elapses when an external force is applied continuously. Creep resistance,
corresponding, refers to the a material's ability to resist any kind of distortion when under a load
over an extended period of time.
Creep testing entails applying a small constant stress to a sample and monitoring its
deformation over time. When a viscoelastic material is subjected to a creep test the initial stage
of the test is dominated by elastic, recoverable deformation. As the test progresses the sample
reaches an elastic equilibrium and only residual viscous non-recoverable flow persists. From the
gradient of the strain/time plot in the later viscous-flow stage of the test zero-shear viscosity can
be calculated. By extrapolating the straight-line regression from this part of the curve to an
intercept on the strain axis it is possible to obtain the equilibrium elastic strain obtained from the
sample - the maximum elastic recoverable strain under the specific imposed stress. Strain values
can be divided by the applied stresses to obtain compliance, (symbol: J(t) ), useful for where
differing stresses are employed and the results are to be overlaid.
The term "preform" refers to an injection molded plastic form used in the production of
stretch blow molded articles. Typically, preforms are produced with the necks of the bottles,
including threads (the "finish") on one end. Preform dimensions are a function of blown bottle
geometry and volume.
The term "viscosity" refers to the resistance to flow of a material. Viscosity is reported in
units of Pa s (Pascal-second).
The term "intrinsic viscosity" refers to the ratio of a solution's specific viscosity to the
concentration of the solute, extrapolated to zero concentration. Intrinsic viscosity reflects the
capability of a polymer in solution to enhance the viscosity of the solution. The viscosity
behavior of macromolecular substances in solution is one of the most frequently used approaches
for characterization. The intrinsic viscosity number is defined as the limiting value of the specific
viscosity/concentration ratio at zero concentration. Intrinsic viscosity is determined by measuring
the relative viscosity at several different concentrations and then extrapolating the specific
viscosity to zero concentration. The variation of the viscosity number with concentration
depends on the type of molecule as well as the solvent. In general, the intrinsic viscosity of linear
macromolecular substances is related to the molecular weight or degree of polymerization.
Polymer Composition
The preforms and containers of the present invention are made from FDCA-based
polymers, i.e., polymers having an FDCA component. FDCA provides a renewable building
block formed by an oxidative dehydration of glucose. It can be substituted for TA in the
production of polyesters, polyamides and polyurethanes.
FDCA
Terephthalic Acid
TA is a component of a wide array of polyesters, such as PET and
polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT). FDCA has been substituted for TA to prepare various linear
polyesters (See A. S. Amarasekara, "5-Hydroxymethylfurfural based polymers," in Renewable
Polymers, V. Mittal, Ed., pp. 381-428, Wiley-Scrivener, Salem, Mass, USA, 201 1; M. Gomes,
A. Gandini, A. J . D. Silvestre, and B. Reis, "Synthesis and characterization of poly(2,5-furan
dicarboxylate)s based on a variety of diols," Journal of Polymer Science A, vol. 49, no. , pp.
3759-3768, 2011).
In a particular embodiment, the FDCA-based polymer processed according to the method
of the present invention is a furanoic polyester prepared by reacting FDCA and at least one diol.
The diol may be petroleum-derived or bio-based. These polyesters can be synthesized using
polytransesterification or direct polycondensation techniques well-known in the art. The diol
component of the furanoic polyester may be, for example, an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic C 3-C 10
diol.
Representative, non-limiting diol components of the furanoic polyester used to form the
preform and container of the present invention include ethylene diol, 1,3-propane diol; 1,4-
butane diol; 1,6-hexane diol; 1,8-octane diol; D-isosorbide; D-isoidide; bis(2,5-hydroxymethyl)-
furan; bis-(l,4-hydroxymethyl) benzene; methanediol and hydroquinone.
In a particular embodiment, the furanoic polyester used to produce the preforms and
containers of the present invention has an FDCA component and an ethylene diol component,
i.e., PEF. PEF is characterized by a repeat unit chemical having a molecular weight of 182.2
g/mol:
PEF repeat unit
PEF used to produce the preforms and the containers of the present invention may be a
homopolymers or copolymers of PEF. Representative, non-limiting, comonomers of PEF
includeisophthalic acid, terepthalic acid, propanediol, butanediol, 5-sulfoisophthalic acid,
diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, cyclohexane dimethanol, cyclobutane dicarboxylic acid,
isosorbide. In a particular embodiment, the FDCA polymer processed according to the method
of the present invention is furan-2,5- dimethanol.
In exemplary embodiments, the FDCA polymer is an FDCA-based polymer. In
exemplary embodiments, the polymer has at least about 50 wt. %, or at least about 70 wt. %, or
at least about 75 wt. %, or at least about 80 wt. %, or at least about 85 wt. % or at least about 90
wt. % FDCA relative to the total weight of polymer, for example.
Preform
Many plastic containers, such as PET containers, are made by first forming the polymer
resin into a suitable preform by injection molding and then stretch blow molding the preform.
Although FDCA has been suggested as a substitute for TA component of PET, it has been
surprisingly determined that a conventional PET processing methods cannot be applied to PEF in
the production of stretch blow molded containers. FIGS. 1 and 7-10 are illustrative
embodiments of the preforms of the present invention.
The preform of the present invention comprises FDCA and at least one diol, which may
be petroleum-based or bio-based. In exemplary embodiments, the preform comprises FDA and
ethylene glycol, or more particularly, petroleum-based on bio-based ethylene glycol. Biomass
sources of ethylene glycol or other suitable diols include, but are not limited to, sugar cane, corn,
agricultural waste and the like.
The preform of the present invention may vary in weight. In one embodiment, the weight
of the preform is between about 10 and about 30 grams, or more particularly, about 10 and about
25 grams, about 10 and about 20 grams, or about 10 and about 15 grams.
In exemplary embodiments, the weight of the preform is about 10, about 11, about 12,
about 13, about 14, or about 15 grams.
In exemplary embodiments, the weight of the preform is about 20, about 21, about 22,
about 23, about 24 or about 25 grams.
The dimensions of the preform may also vary, including the body length, the body
thickness, the end cap body inside diameter, the encap tip thickness, the neck height, the label
panel height and the base height.
In exemplary embodiments, the body length is between about 20 and about 400 mm.
In exemplary embodiments, the body length is about 25, about 30, about 35, about 40,
about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about
90, about 00, about 105, about 110, about 115, about 120 or about 6 mm.
In exemplary embodiments, the body length is about 130, about 140, about 150, about
160, abuot 170, about 180, about 190, about 200, about 210, about 220, about 230, about 240,
about 250, about 260, about 270, abut 280, about 290, about 300, about 310, about 320, about
330, about 340, about 350, about 360, about 370, about 380, about 390 or about 400 mm or
more.
Example 5 describes stretch blow molding of a conventional preform. Specifically,
Example 5 indicates that viable stretch blow molding conditions could not be determined for a
conventional preform (i.e., a 2.2 axial ratio preform) over a range of preform heating profiles,
molding preblow and blow pressures, and inflation rates and times.
Without being bound by any particular theory, this inability to conventionally process
PEF resins similar to conventional PET resins is believed to be attributable to the crystallization
kinetics and entanglement molecular weight (Me) of PEF, which has been determined to differ
from PET in conjunction with the present invention. In particular, the entanglement molecular
weight of PEF is about 40% higher than the entanglement molecular weight of PET, reflecting a
significantly diminished entanglement density.
The crystallization half-time ( tl/2 ) of PET over a temperature range of about 195° C to
about 210°C has been shown to range from about 50 to about 235 seconds (See Kim et al,
Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 67, 1383-1392 ( 1998)). The average value of the
Avrami exponent, n , is about 2.8 (See Huang et al., Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer
Physics Volume 38, Issue 7, pages 934-941 , 1 April 2000. As shown in Example 1, ddifferential
scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies of PEF establish that the isothermal and non-isotheral
quiescent crystallization kinetics of PEF are significantly slower than for PET at comparable
molecular weights.
Relative entanglement of the two polymers has also been found to differ. The
entanglement molecular weight (M ,) for amorphous PET is about 1,450 g/mol (See Fetters et al.
Physical Properties of Polymers Handbook, Second Ed., Chapter 25, 445-452 (2006)). As shown
in Example 2, however, the Me, of PEF is shown to range from about 2,900 g/mol to about 3,710
g/mol. As such, neat PEF is shown to have a significant lower entanglement than PET.
The present invention provides a novel preform to permit processing of furanoic
polyester resins into containers, taking into account the unique characteristics of such resins.
To maximize the performance characteristics of a particular polymer, the preform design
must be such that the preform overall stretch ratio is greater than the natural stretch ratio of the
polymer. Biaxial stretching trials of injection molded PEF plaques were conducted to determine
the natural stretch ratios of PEF, as shown in Example 3. At stretching temperatures ranging
from 100 to 110°C and equibiaxial stretch ratios ranging from 2.5 x 2.5 to 4.0 x 4.0 giving
overall (areal) stretch ratios from about 6.3 to 16.
The overall stretch ratio of the preform is calculated as (maximum internal container
diameter/internal preform diameter)]x[height of container below fmish)/(height of preform
below finish)].
Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the
overall stretch ratio of the preform is greater than the natural stretch ratio of the polymer. FIGS.
7-10 illustrates embodiments of the preform of the present invention.
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the
overall stretch ratio of the preform is about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%,
about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50% greater than the natural stretch ratio
of the polymer.
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the
overall stretch ratio of the preform is between about 11 and about 30, about 12 and about 28,
about 14 and about 26, about 16 and about 24, about 14 and about 16, about 16 and about 18.
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the
preform has an overall stretch ratio between about 6.5 to about 8, from about 8 to about 10, from
about 10 to about 12, from about 12 to about 14, from about 14 to about 16, from about 16 to
about 20 or from about 20 to about 30.
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the
overall stretch ratio of the preform is about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, 11, about 12, about 13,
about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 2 1, about 22, about
23, about 24, about 25, about 26, about 27, about 28, about 29 or about 30.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a PEF preform having an overall
stretch ratio of between about 6.5 to about 8, about 8 to about 10, about 10 to about 12, about 12
to about 14, about 14 to about 16, about 16 to about 20, about 20 to about 22, about 22 to about
24, about 24 to about 26, about 26 to about 28 or about 28 to about 20 to about 30.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a PEF preform having an overall
stretch ratio of the preform is about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, 1, about 12, about 13, about
14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 21, about 22, about 23,
about 24, about 25, about 26, about 27, about 28, about 29 or about 30.
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the
overall stretch ratio of the preform is at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at
least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, at least 20, at least 21, at least 22, at least 23, at least
24, at least 25, at least 26, at least 27 or at least 28.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a PEF preform having an overall
stretch ratio of at least 11, at least 12, at least 13, at least 14, at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at
least 1 , at least 19, at least 20, at least 2 1, at least 22, at least 23, at least 24, at least 25, at least
26, at least 27 or at least 28.
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the
preform has (i) a hoop stretch ratio between about 2.6 and about 8.2 and (ii) an axial stretch ratio
of between about 2.0 and about 5.0. In certain embodiments, the diol component is ethylene
glycol.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the
preform has(i) a hoop stretch ratio between about 5.2 and about 7.2 and (ii) an axial stretch ratio
of between about 2.3 and about 3.3. In certain embodiments, the diol component is ethylene
glycol.
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the
preform has(i) a hoop stretch ratio between about 5.2 and about 7.2, and more particularly, about
5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4, about 5.4, about 5.6, about 5.7, about 5.8, about 5.9, about 6.0, about
6.1, about 6.2, about 6.3, about 6.4, about 6.5, about 6.6, about 6.7, about 6.8, about 6.9, about
7.1 or about 7.2, and (ii) an axial stretch ratio of between about 2.3 and about 3.3, or more
particularly, about 2.3, about 2.4, about 2.5, about 2.6, about 2.7, about 2.8, about 2.9, about 3.0,
about 3.1, about 3.2 or about 3.3. In certain embodiments, the diol component is ethylene glycol.
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the
preform has (i) a hoop stretch ratio of between about 3.5 and about 5.3 and (ii) an axial stretch
ratio of between about 3 and about 4.
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a PEF preform having a hoop stretch
ratio between about 5.35 and about 5.45 and an axial stretch ratio between about 3.2 and about
3.35.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the
overall stretch ratio of the preform is between about 7 and about 30, or more particularly, about
10 and about 20, or more particularly, about 14 and about 18, about 15 and about 18, about 16 or
about 18, and wherein the hoop stretch ratio is between about 2.6 and about 8.2, or more
particularly, about 5.2 and about 7.2, and the axial stretch ratio is between about 2.0 and about
5.0, or more particularly, about 2.3 and about 3.3.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the
overall stretch ratio of the preform is between about 7 and about 30, or more particularly, about
10 and about 20, or more particularly, about 14 and about 18, about 15 and about 18, about 16 or
about 18, and wherein the hoop stretch ratio is between about 3.5 and about .5 and wherein the
axial stretch ratio is between about 3 and about 4.
In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is a preform comprising a
polymer comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein
the overall stretch ratio of the preform is about 14.5, about 15, about 15.5, about 16, about 16.5,
about 17, or about 17.5, and wherein (i) the hoop stretch ratio is between about 2.6 and about
8.2, more particularly, about 5.2 and about 7.2, even more particularly, about 3.5 and about 5.3;
or about 5.35; and the axial stretch ratio is about between about 2.0 and about 5.0, or more
particularly, about 3 and about 4, or even more particularly, about 2.3 and 3.3, or about 3.2 .
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the hoop
stretch ratio is about 6.2 and the axial stretch ratio is about 2.8 at high hoop stretch.
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the hoop
stretch ratio is about 4.3 and the axial stretch ratio is about 3.55 at low hoop stretch.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein (i) the
axial ratio coordinate (abscissa) offset is about 3.35; (ii) the inside hoop ratio coordinate
(ordinate) offset is about 5.45; (iii) the major axis radius is about 2.75; (iv) the minor axis radius
is about 1.25; and (v) the major axis rotation relative to axial stretch ratio abscissa is about -75°
C(-1.31 radians). The blue elliptical regions shown in the plot in Figure 14 correspond to this
embodiment.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention is a preform comprising a
polymer comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein
(i) the axial ratio coordinate (abscissa) offset is about 3.2; (ii) the inside hoop ratio coordinate
(ordinate) offset is about 5.35; (iii) the major axis radius is about 2.30; (iv) the minor axis radius
is about 1.0; and (v) the major axis rotation relative to axial stretch ratio abscissa is about -75°
C (-1 .3 1radians). The green elliptical regions shown in the plot in Figure 14 correspond to this
embodiment.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein at high
hoop stretch, ( i) the axial ratio coordinate (abscissa) offset is about 2.80; (ii) the inside hoop
ratio coordinate (ordinate) offset is about 6.20; (iii) the major axis radius is about 1.0; (iv) the
minor axis radius is about 0.48; and (v) the major axis rotation relative to axial stretch ratio
abscissa is about -80° (-1.40 radians). The red elliptical regions shown in the plot in Figure 14
correspond to this embodiment.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is a preform comprising a polymer
comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein at low
hoop stretch, ( i) the axial ratio coordinate (abscissa) offset is about 3.55; (ii) the inside hoop
ratio coordinate (ordinate) offset is about 4.35; (iii) the major axis radius is about 0.85; (iv) the
minor axis radius is about 0 . 47; and (v) the major axis rotation relative to axial stretch ratio
abscissa is about -80° (-1.40 radians). The brown elliptical regions shown in the plot in Figure
14 correspond to this embodiment.
Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a conventional preform 5 while Figure 2, illustrates
an embodiment of the preform of the present invention 10. While both preforms possess the
same basic components, they differ in fundamental ways. Common to both preforms are a
threated neck finish 12 and a capping flange 14, where below the capping flange 14, there is a
generally cylindrical section 16 which terminates in a section 18 of gradually decreasing external
diameter so as to provide for an increasing wall thickness, below this section 1 there is an
elongated body section 20, wherein the height of the preform is measured from the capping
flange 4 to a closed end 2 of the elongated body section 20. Notably, the preform in Figure 1 is
significantly greater than the length of the preform shown in Figure 2 . Additional information
on the dimensions and properties of the preforms having the configuration shown in Figure 1
and 2 are given in Example .
In exemplary embodiments, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol
component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component (i.e., is produced from an FDCA
polyester), wherein the preform has a length of between about 30 mm to about 400 mm, or more
particularly 30 mm to about 250 mm.
In one embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol component
(e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has a length of between
about 20 to about 25, about 25 to about 30, 30 to about 35, about 40 to about 45, about 40 to
about 50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to about 70, about 70 to about 80, about 80 to about 90,
about 90 to about 100, about 100 to about 110, about 110 to about 120, about 120 to about 130,
about 130 to about 140, about 140 to about 150, about 150 to about 160, about 160 to about 170,
about 170 to about 180, about 180 to about 190, about 1 0 to about 200, about 200 to about 210,
about 210 to about 220, about 220 to about 230, about 230 to about 240, or about 240 to about
250 mm.
In a particular embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol
component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has a length of
between about 104 and about 106, about 106 and about 108, about 108 and about 110, about 110
and about 112, about 112 and about 114, about 114 and about 116, about 116 and about 118,
about 118 or about 120.
In a more particular embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol
component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has a length of
about 110 mm and a finished length of about 88 mm.
In one embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF and has a length
of between about 30 mm to about 400 mm, or more particularly, about 30 mm to about 2 0 mm.
In a particular embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF and has
a length of between about 30 to about 40, about 40 to about 50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to
about 70, about 70 to about 80, about 80 to about 90, about 90 to about 100, about 100 to about
110, about 110 to about 120, about 120 to about 130, about 130 to about 140, about 140 to about
150, about 150 to about 160, about 160 to about 170, about 170 to about 180, about 180 to about
190, about 190 to about 200, about 200 to about 210, about 2 10 to about 220, about 220 to about
230, about 230 to about 240, or about 240 or about 250 mm.
In a specific embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF and has a
length of between about 104 and about 106, about 106 and about 108, about 108 and about 110,
about 110 and about 112, about 112 and about 114, about 114 and about 116, about 116 and
about 118, about 118 or about 120.
In a more specific embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF and
has a length of about 110 and a finished length of about 88 mm.
In another embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol component
(e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has an inside length to
diameter (1/d) ratio of between about 1.05 and about 25.0.
In a particular embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol
component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has an inside
1/d ratio of between about 1.05 and about 2.0, about 2.0 and about 3.0, about 3.0 and about 3.5,
about 3.5 to about 4.0, about 4.0 and about 5.0, about 5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0 and about 7.0,
about 7.0 and about 8.0, about 8.0 and about 9.0, about 10.0 and about 11.0, about 11.0 and
about 12.0, about 12.0 and about 13.0, about 13.0 and about 14.0, about 14.0 and about 15 .0,
about 15.0 and about 16.0, about 16.0 and about 17.0, about 17.0 and about 18.0, about 18.0 and
about 19.0, about 19.0 and about 20.0, about 2 1.0 and about 22.0, about 22.0 and about 23.0,
about 23.0 and about 24.0, and about 24.0 or about 25.0.
In a particular embodiment, the preform has an inside 1/d ratio of about 3 to about 6, or
more particularly, about 3, about 4, about 5, or about 6.
In a more particular embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol
component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has an inside
1/d ratio of between about 4 and about 5.
In a specific embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol
component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and has an inside 1/d ratio of about 4.37.
In another specific embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol
component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and has an inside 1/d ratio of about 3.07.
In another specific embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol
component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and has an inside 1/d ratio of about 4.24.
In another specific embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol
component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and has an inside 1/d ratio of about 4.9.
In another specific embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol
component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and has an inside 1/d ratio of about 5.57.
In another specific embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol
component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and has an inside 1/d ratio of about 13.
In another embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF and has an
inside length to diameter ( 1/d) ratio of between about 1.05 and about 25.0.
In a particular embodiment, the preform of the present invention PEF and has an inside
1/d ratio of between about 1.05 and about 2.0, about 2.0 and about 3.0, about 3.0 and about 4.0,
about 4.0 and about 5.0, about 5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0 and about 7.0, about 7.0 and about
8.0, about 8.0 and about 9.0, about 10.0 and about 11.0, about 11.0 and about 12.0, about 12.0
and about 13.0, about 13.0 and about 14.0, about 14.0 and about 15.0, about 15.0 and about 16.0,
about 16.0 and about 17.0, about 17.0 and about 18.0, about 18.0 and about 19.0, about 19.0 and
about 20.0, about 2 1.0 and about 22.0, about 22.0 and about 23.0, about 23.0 and about 24.0, and
about 24.0 or about 25.0.
In a more particular embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF
and has an inside 1/d ratio of between about 4 and about 5.
In a specific embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF and has an
inside 1/d ratio of about 4.37.
In another specific embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF and
has an inside 1/d ratio of about 13.
The preform of the present invention comprises a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol)
and an FDCA component (i.e., is produced from an FDCA polyester), wherein the preform has
(i) a length of between about 30 mm to about 250 mm and an inside 1/d ratio of about 1.05 to
about 25.0.
In one embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol component
(e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has (i) a length of between
about 30 to about 40, about 40 to about 50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to about 70, about 70
to about 80, about 80 to about 90, about 90 to about 100, about 100 to about 110, about 10 to
about 120, about 120 to about 130, about 130 to about 140, about 140 to about 150, about 150 to
about 160, about 160 to about 170, about 170 to about 180, about 180 to about 190, about 190 to
about 200, about 200 to about 210, about 210 to about 220, about 220 to about 230, about 230 to
about 240, or about 240 to about 250 mm and (ii) an inside 1/d ratio of between about 1.05 and
about 2.0, about 2.0 and about 3.0, about 3.0 and about 4.0, about 4.0 and about 5.0, about 5.0
and about 6.0, about 6.0 and about 7.0, about 7.0 and about 8.0, about 8.0 and about 9.0, about
10.0 and about 11.0, about 11.0 and about 12.0, about 12.0 and about 13.0, about 13.0 and about
14.0, about 14.0 and about 15.0, about 15.0 and about 16.0, about 16.0 and about 17.0, about
17.0 and about 18.0, about 18.0 and about 19.0, about 19.0 and about 20.0, about 21.0 and about
22.0, about 22.0 and about 23.0, about 23.0 and about 24.0, or about 24.0 or about 25.0.
In a particular embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol
component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has (i) a length
of between about 104 and about 106, about 106 and about 108, about 108 and about 110, about
110 and about 112, about 112 and about 114, about 114 and about 116, about 116 and about
118, about 118 or about 120 and (ii) an internal 1/d ratio of about 4 to about 5.
In a more particular embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol
component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has (i) a length
of about 10 mm; (ii) a finished length of about 88 mm; and (ii) an internal 1 d ratio of about
4.37.
The preform of the present invention comprises PEF and has a length of between about
30 mm to about 250 mm and an inside 1/d ratio of about 1.05 to about 25.0.
In one embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF and has (i) a
length of between about 30 to about 40, about 40 to about 50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to
about 70, about 70 to about 80, about 80 to about 90, about 90 to about 100, about 100 to about
110, about 110 to about 120, about 120 to about 130, about 130 to about 140, about 140 to about
150, about 150 to about 160, about 160 to about 170, about 170 to about 180, about 180 to about
190, about 190 to about 200, about 200 to about 210, about 210 to about 220, about 220 to about
230, about 230 to about 240, or about 240 to about 250 mm and (ii) an inside 1/d ratio of between
about 1.05 and about 2.0, about 2.0 and about 3.0, about 3.0 and about 4.0, about 4.0 and about
5.0, about 5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0 and about 7.0, about 7.0 and about 8.0, about 8.0 and
about 9.0, about 10.0 and about 11.0, about 11.0 and about 12.0, about 12.0 and about 13.0,
about 13.0 and about 14.0, about 14.0 and about 15.0, about 15.0 and about 16.0, about 16.0 and
about 17.0, about 17.0 and about 18.0, about 18.0 and about 19.0, about 19.0 and about 20.0,
about 21.0 and about 22.0, about 22.0 and about 23.0, about 23.0 and about 24.0, or about 24.0
or about 25.0.
In a particular embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF and
has (i) a length of between about 104 and about 106, about 106 and about 108, about 108 and
about 110, about 110 and about 112, about 112 and about 114, about 114 and about 116, about
116 and about 118, about 118 or about 120 and (ii) an internal 1/d ratio of about 4 to about 5.
In a more particular embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF
and has (i) a length of about 110 mm; (ii) a finished length of about 88 mm; and (ii) an internal
1/d ratio of about 4.37.
The intrinsic viscosity of the resin and the preform may vary.
In one embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol component
(e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component and has an IV of between about 0.750 dL/g and
about 0.780 dL/g.
In a particular embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises a diol
component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component and has an IV of between about
0.763 dL/g.
In a specific embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF and has an
IV of between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g.
In another specific embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF and
has an IV of between about 0.763 dL/g.
In another specific embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF and
has an of between about 0.80 and about 0.840, or more particularly, about 0.80 and about
0.830 dL/g.
In yet another specific embodiment, the preform of the present invention comprises PEF
and has an IV of between about 0.80 and about 0.95, or more particularly, about 0.83 and about
0.92.
In exemplary embodiments, the preform of the present invention comprises FDCA and a
diol, where the diol may be petroleum-based or bio-based, wherein the preform has (i) a hoop
stretch ratio of between about 2.6 and about 8.2, more particularly, about 5.2 and about 7.2, even
more particularly, about 3.5 and about 5.3; and (ii) an axial stretch ratio of between about 2.0 and
about 5.0, more particularly about 3 and about 4, even more particularly, between about 2.3 and
about 3.3; (iii) a length of between about 20 and about 400 mm; and (iii) an I.V. between about
0.80 and about .95, more particularly, about 0.83 and about 0.92.
Methods of Making Preforms
As described above, plastic containers such as PET containers are generally made by first
forming the plastic resin into a suitable preform (e.g., by injection molding), and then stretch
blow molding the preform to form a container.
In exemplary embodiments, the PEF polymer or resin, as described, above, is utilized to
form preforms. FIGS. 1, and 7-10, above, illustrate embodiments of the preform of the present
invention.
The FDCA polymer resin may be any suitable FDCA polymer resin, including those
furanoic polyester resins described above in Section I , including PEF. The resin may be
provided in any suitable form including, for example, a pellet or powder.
In exemplary embodiments, thee resin is heated to provide a melt and then introduced
into an injection molding device, where the material takes the shape of the mold, is cooled and
then released to provide a preform.
In one embodiment, a PEF melt is injected into the a molding cavity defined, at least in
part, by a female cavity piece and a male core piece mounted respectively on a cavity plate and a
core plate of a mold. The cavity plate and the core plate are urged together and are held together
by clamp force, the clamp force being sufficient to keep the cavity and the core pieces together
against the pressure of the injected PEF material. The molding cavity has a shape that
substantially corresponds to a final cold-state shape of the molded article to be molded.
The so-injected PEF material is then cooled to a temperature sufficient to enable ejection
of the so-formed molded article from the mold. When cooled, the molded article shrinks inside
of the molding cavity and, as such, when the cavity and core plates are urged apart, the molded
article tends to remain associated with the core piece. Thereafter, the molded article is then
ejected off of the core piece by use of one or more ejection structures. Ejection structures are
known to assist in removing the molded articles from the core halves. Examples of the ejection
structures include stripper plates, stripper rings and neck rings, ejector pins, etc.
The shear rate is less than about 100,000 s 1. In one embodiment, the shear rate is
between about 5,000 and about 40,000, about 5,000 and about 30,000 or about 5,000 and about
20,000 s 1. In a particular embodiment, the sheer rate is about 8,000 - 15,000 s 1.
In one embodiment, the present is a process for producing a preform, comprising (i)
providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA component;
and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce an preform, wherein the preform has (i) a hoop
stretch ratio is between about 2.6 and about 8.2, more particularly, about 5.2 and about 7.2, and
even more particularly, about 3.5 and about 5.3; and (ii) an axial stretch ratio of between about
2.0 and about 5.0, more particularly, about 3 and about 4, even more particularly, about 2.3 and
about 3.3.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce an preform, wherein the
preform has (i) a hoop stretch ratio is between about 2.6 and about 8.2, more particularly, about
5.2 and about 7.2, and even more particularly, about 3.5 and about 5.3; (ii) an axial stretch ratio
of between about 2.0 and about 5.0, more particularly, about 3 and about 4, even more
particularly, about 2.3 and about 3.3; and (iii) a length of between about 20 mm to about 400
mm, or more particularly about 30 mm to about 250 mm.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce an preform, wherein the
preform has (i) a hoop stretch ratio is between about 2.6 and about 8.2, more particularly, about
5.2 and about 7.2, and even more particularly, about 3.5 and about 5.3; (ii) an axial stretch ratio
of between about 2.0 and about 5.0, more particularly, about 3 and about 4, even more
particularly, about 2.3 and about 3.3; and (iii) a length of between about 30 to about 40, about
40 to about 50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to about 70, about 70 to about 80, about 80 to
about 90, about 90 to about 100, about 100 to about 110, about 110 to about 120, about 120 to
about 130, about 130 to about 140, about 140 to about 150, about 150 to about 160, about 160 to
about 170, about 170 to about 180, about 180 to about 190, about 190 to about 200, about 200 to
about 210, about 210 to about 220, about 220 to about 230, about 230 to about 240, or about 240
to about 250 mm, about 250 to about 300 mm, or about 300 mm to about 400 mm.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce an preform, wherein the
preform of the present invention comprises a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component, wherein the preform has a length of between about 104 and about 106, about
106 and about 108, about 108 and about 110, about 110 and about 112, about 112 and about
114, about 114 and about 116, about 116 and about 118, about 118 or about 120.
In a more particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and
an FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a preform, wherein the
preform has a length of about 110 mm and a finished length of about 88 mm.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a
preform, wherein the preform has a length of between about 0 mm to about 2 0 mm.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a
preform, wherein the preform has a length of between about 30 to about 40, about 40 to about
50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to about 70, about 70 to about 80, about 80 to about 90, about
90 to about 100, about 100 to about 110, about 110 to about 120, about 120 to about 130, about
130 to about 140, about 140 to about 150, about 150 to about 160, about 160 to about 170, about
170 to about 180, about 180 to about 190, about 190 to about 200, about 200 to about 210, about
210 to about 220, about 220 to about 230, about 230 to about 240, or about 240 or about 250
mm.
In a more particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to
produce a preform, wherein the preform has a has a length of between about 104 and about 106,
about 106 and about 108, about 108 and about 110, about 110 and about 112, about 112 and
about 114, about 114 and about 116, about 116 and about 118, about 118 or about 120.
In an even more particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) mjection molding the melt to
produce a preform, wherein the preform has a length of about 110 and a finished length of about
88 mm.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce an preform, wherein the
preform has an inside length to diameter (1/d) ratio of between about 1.05 and about 25.0.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component; and (ii) mjection molding the melt to produce an preform, wherein the
preform has an inside 1/d ratio of between about 1.05 and about 2.0, about 2.0 and about 3.0,
about 3.0 and about 4.0, about 4.0 and about 5.0, about 5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0 and about
7.0, about 7.0 and about 8.0, about 8.0 and about 9.0, about 10.0 and about 11.0, about 11.0 and
about 12.0, about 12.0 and about 13.0, about 13.0 and about 14.0, about 14.0 and about 15.0,
about 15.0 and about 16.0, about 16.0 and about 17.0, about 17.0 and about 18.0, about 18.0 and
about 19.0, about 19.0 and about 20.0, about 21.0 and about 22.0, about 22.0 and about 23.0,
about 23.0 and about 24.0, and about 24.0 or about 25.0.
In a more particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and
an FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce an preform, wherein the
preform has, wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio of between about 3 to about 6, or more
particularly, about 4 and about .
In a more particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and
an FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce an preform, wherein the
preform has an inside 1/d ratio of about 4.37.
In a more particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and
an FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce an preform, wherein the
preform has an inside 1/d ratio of about 13.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a
preform having an inside length to diameter (1/d) ratio of between about 1.05 and about 25.0.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a
preform having inside 1/d ratio of between about 1.05 and about 2.0, about 2.0 and about 3.0,
about 3.0 and about 4.0, about 4.0 and about 5.0, about 5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0 and about
7.0, about 7.0 and about 8.0, about 8.0 and about 9.0, about 10.0 and about 11.0, about 11.0 and
about 12.0, about 12.0 and about 13.0, about 13.0 and about 14.0, about 14.0 and about 15.0,
about 15.0 and about 16.0, about 16.0 and about 17.0, about 17.0 and about 18.0, about 18.0 and
about 19.0, about 19.0 and about 20.0, about 21.0 and about 22.0, about 22.0 and about 23.0,
about 23.0 and about 24.0, and about 24.0 or about 25.0.
In a more particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to
produce a preform an inside 1 d ratio of between about 3 to about 6.0, or about 4 and about 5 .
In an even more particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to
produce a preform having an inside 1/d ratio of about 4.37.
In a further particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to
produce a preform having an inside 1/d ratio of 13.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a preform having (i) a length of
between about 30 mm to about 250 mm and an inside 1/d ratio of about 1.05 to about 25.0.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a preform having (a) a length of
between about 30 to about 40, about 40 to about 50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to about 70,
about 70 to about 80, about 80 to about 90, about 90 to about 100, about 100 to about 110, about
110 to about 120, about 120 to about 130, about 130 to about 140, about 140 to about 150, about
150 to about 160, about 160 to about 170, about 170 to about 180, about 180 to about 190, about
190 to about 200, about 200 to about 210, about 210 to about 220, about 220 to about 230, about
230 to about 240, or about 240 to about 250 mm and (b) an inside 1/d ratio of between about 1.05
and about 2.0, about 2.0 and about 3.0, about 3.0 and about 4.0, about 4.0 and about 5.0, about
5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0 and about 7.0, about 7.0 and about 8.0, about 8.0 and about 9.0,
about 10.0 and about 11.0, about 11.0 and about 12.0, about 12.0 and about 13.0, about 13.0 and
about 14.0, about 14.0 and about 15.0, about 15.0 and about 16.0, about 16.0 and about 17.0,
about 17.0 and about 18.0, about 18.0 and about 19.0, about 19.0 and about 20.0, about 2 1.0 and
about 22.0, about 22.0 and about 23.0, about 23.0 and about 24.0, or about 24.0 or about 25.0.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and
an FDCA component and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a preform having (i) a length
of between about 104 and about 106, about 106 and about 108, about 108 and about 110, about
110 and about 11 , about 112 and about 114, about 114 and about 116, about 116 and about
118, about 118 or about 120 and (ii) an internal 1/d ratio of about 4 to about 5.
In yet another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and
an FDCA component and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a preform having (i) a length
of about 10 mm; (ii) a finished length of about 88 mm; and (ii) an internal 1/d ratio of about
4.37.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a
preform having a length of between about 30 mm to about 250 mm and an inside 1/d ratio of
about 1.05 to about 25.0.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a
preform having (a) a length of between about 30 to about 40, about 40 to about 50, about 50 to
about 60, about 60 to about 70, about 70 to about 80, about 80 to about 90, about 90 to about
100, about 100 to about 110, about 110 to about 120, about 120 to about 130, about 130 to about
140, about 140 to about 150, about 150 to about 160, about 160 to about 170, about 170 to about
180, about 180 to about 190, about 190 to about 200, about 200 to about 210, about 210 to about
220, about 220 to about 230, about 230 to about 240, or about 240 to about 250 mm and (b) an
inside 1/d ratio of between about 1.05 and about 2.0, about 2.0 and about 3.0, about 3.0 and about
4.0, about 4.0 and about 5.0, about 5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0 and about 7.0, about 7.0 and
about 8.0, about 8.0 and about 9.0, about 10.0 and about 11.0, about 11.0 and about 12.0, about
12.0 and about 13.0, about 13.0 and about 14.0, about 14.0 and about 15.0, about 15.0 and about
16.0, about 16.0 and about 17.0, about 17.0 and about 18.0, about 18.0 and about 19.0, about
19.0 and about 20.0, about 21.0 and about 22.0, about 22.0 and about 23.0, about 23.0 and about
24.0, or about 24.0 or about 25.0.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to
produce a preform having (a) a length of between about 104 and about 106, about 106 and about
108, about 108 and about 110, about 110 and about 112, about 112 and about 114, about 114
and about 116, about 116 and about 118, about 118 or about 120 and (b) an internal 1/d ratio of
about 4 to about 5.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to
produce a preform having (a) a length of about 110 mm; (b) a finished length of about 8 mm;
and (ii) an internal 1/d ratio of about 4.37.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a preform having an IV of
between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a preform having an IV of
about 0.763 dL/g.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a
preform having IV of between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a
preform having IV of about 0.763 dL/g.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a preform having an IV of
between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g and a length between about 30 mm and about
250 mm.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a preform having an IV of
between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g and a length between about 105 mm and about
120 mm.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and
an FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a preform having an IV of
between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g and a length of about 110 mm.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a preform having (a) an IV of
between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/; (b) a length between about 105 mm and about
1 0 mm; and (c) an internal 1/d ratio of between about 4 and about 5 .
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a preform having (a) an IV of
between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g; (ii) a length of about 110 mm; and (ii) an
internal 1/d ratio of between about 4.37.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a
preform having an IV of between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g and a length between
about 30 mm and about 250 mm.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a
preform having an IV of between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g and (ii) a length
between about 105 mm and about 120 mm.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to
produce a preform having preform of the present invention comprises PEF and has an IV of
between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g and a length of about 110 mm.
In a yet another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to
produce a preform having (a) an IV of between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/; (b) a
length between about 105 mm and about 120 mm; and (c) an internal 1/d ratio of between about 4
and about 5.
In yet another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
preform, comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to
produce a preform having an (a) an IV of between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g; (b) a
length of about 110 mm; and (c) an internal 1/d ratio of between about 4.37.
In a still further embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a preform,
comprising (i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce a
preform having (i) an IV of between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g; and (ii) an internal
1/d ratio of about 13.
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a process for producing a preform
comprising ( i) providing a melt comprising PEF; and (ii) injection molding the melt to produce
a preform having (a) a hoop stretch ratio of between about 2.6 and about 8.2, more particularly,
about 5.2 and about 7.2, even more particularly, about 3.5 and about 5.3; (ii) an axial stretch ratio
of between about 2.0 and about 5.0, more particularly, about 3 and about 4, even more
particularly, about 2.3 and about 3.3; (iii) a length between about 20 and about 400 mm; and (iv)
an IV of between about 0.80 and about 0.95, or more particularly, about 0.83 and about 0.92.
Example 7 describes the injection molding of a preform of the present invention.
Method of Manufacturing a Container
The preform as described in Section II and III, above, is then used to produce the
container of the present invention by stretch blow molding. Stretch blow molding permits the
formation of hollow articles, such as bottles. Single stage, two stage, and double blow molding
manufacturing systems are well known in the art.
In both processes, plastic resin is converted into containers (e.g.) by the injection
molding of preforms, followed by biaxial orientation (stretching) of these preforms, either in
continuous single-stage or discontinuous two-stage processes of blow molding. Orientation
refers to the physical alignment of the polymer chains in a regular configuration. Biaxial
orientation not only permits thinner, more uniform sidewalls and thus less expensive containers,
it also enhances the containers physical properties- including enhanced physical properties,
clarity, and gas barrier properties, which are all important in products such as bottles for
carbonated beverages.
Preforms are conventionally formed by injection molding, in which molten resin is
introduced into a mold in the desired preform shape. The molten polymer within the mold cavity
must be cooled through the maximum crystallization range as quickly as possible.
In the one-stage process, preforms are injection molded, conditioned to the proper
temperature, and blown into containers—all in one continuous process. In conventional onestage
processes, the heat that remains in the preform from injection molding is sufficient to
permit the preform to be stretch blow molded.
In the two-stage process, preforms are injection molded, stored for a short period of time
(typically 1 to 4 days), and blown into containers using a reheat-blow (RHB) machine. In the
two- process, the preform must be conditioned before stretch blow molding, i.e., by reheating the
preform about the glass transition temperature of the material. The preform may be heated, e.g.,
in an infrared oven.
Stretch blow molding generally involves three stages. In the first sage, the preform is
stretch with a stretch rod. In the second stage, the preform is inflated by air at a low pressure
(e.g., 0.5 to 0.9 MPa) while stretching continues. In the third stage, stretching is discontinued and
pressure is increased (e.g., Map). MPa). The two first stages may be referred to as the low-blow
period whereas the last may be referred to as the blowing period.
In a typical stretching process for a plastic material, very little stretching occurs initially,
but if stretching continues past the yield point, the material will start to stretch and become
thinner, causing permanent deformation. This is followed by a period of continued stretching,
where the amount of force remains constant,. Once the material has been stretched past its
natural stretch ratio (NSR), a dramatic increase in force is required for additional stretching to
occur. This is known as the strain-hardening period. It is during this phase that physical
properties are maximized. Therefore, it is critical that the natural stretch ratio be surpassed
slightly during the stretching process
Three stretch ratios are used to used to determine the orientation of the material: (i) the
axial stretch ratio; (ii) the hoop stretch ratio; and (iii) the overall stretch ratio (a product of axial
stretch ratio and the hoop stretch ratio).
The axial stretch ratio is calculated by dividing the height of the stretched part of the
bottle by the length of the stretched part of the preform. Or, alternately stated: axial stretch
ratio=(height of container below finish/height of preform below finish).
The hoop stretch ratio is calculated by dividing the bottle diameter by the preform
diameter. Or, alternately stated: hoop stretch ratio=(maximum internal container
diameter/internal preform diameter).
The overall stretch ratio is calculated by multiplying the axial stretch ratio by the hoop
stretch ratio. Or, alternately stated: Overall stretch ratio=[(maximum internal container
diameter/internal preform diameter)] x[height of container below fmish)/(height of preform
below finish)].
In one embodiment, the preform is placed in a blow molding apparatus. The mold cavity
may be heated to a temperature between approximately about 10 °C and about 115 °C. A stretch
rod apparatus stretches or extends the heated preform within the mold cavity to a length
approximately that of the resultant container thereby molecularly orienting the polyester material
in an axial direction generally corresponding with a central longitudinal axis of the resultant
container. While the stretch rod extends the preform, air having a pressure between about 15 PSI
and about 1000 PSI assists in extending the preform in the axial direction and in expanding the
preform in a circumferential or hoop direction thereby substantially conforming the polyester
material to the shape of the mold cavity and further molecularly orienting the polyester material
in a direction generally perpendicular to the axial direction, thus establishing the biaxial
molecular orientation of the polyester material in most of the container. Typically, material
within the finish and a sub-portion of the base are not substantially molecularly oriented. The
pressurized air holds the mostly biaxial molecularly oriented polyester material against the mold
cavity for a period of between about 0.05 to about 5 seconds before removal of the container
from the mold cavity.
The resulting blown container has the same neck finish with outer threads and lowermost
neck flange as the preform. The remainder of the bottle undergoes expansion, although to
varying degrees. A removable cap is attached to the open upper end of the container. The cap
includes a base portion having internal threads which engage the outer threads on the neck finish.
Strain-induced crystallinity results from the rapid mechanical deformation of PEF, and
generates extremely small, transparent crystallites. The amount of crystallinity present in the
container sidewall correlates with the strength and barrier performance of the container.
In one embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component, wherein the preform wherein the preform has (a) a hoop stretch ratio is from
about 2.6 to about 8.2, more particularly, about 5.2 to about 7.2, even more particularly, about
2.5 to about 5.3, or about 5.35 to about 5.45, or about 5.35; and (b) an axial stretch ratio is from
about 2.0 to about 5.0, more particularly, about 3 to about 4, even more particularly, about 2.3 to
about 3.3, or about 3.2 to about 3.35, or more particularly, about 3.2; and (ii) stretch blow
molding the preform into a container, wherein the container is a food or beverage container,
such as a beverage bottle..
In one embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component, wherein the preform has a length of between about 30 mm and about 250
mm; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component, wherein the preform has a length of between about 30 mm and about 250
mm; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container, wherein the container is a food
or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container, comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene
glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has a length of has a length of between
about 30 to about 40, about 40 to about 50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to about 70, about 70
to about 80, about 80 to about 90, about 90 to about 100, about 100 to about 110, about 10 to
about 120, about 120 to about 130, about 130 to about 140, about 140 to about 150, about 150 to
about 160, about 160 to about 170, about 170 to about 180, about 180 to about 190, about 190 to
about 200, about 200 to about 210, about 210 to about 220, about 220 to about 230, about 230 to
about 240, or about 240 to about 250 mm and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a
container, such as a beverage bottle.
In specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component, wherein the preform has a length of between about 30 to about 40, about 40
to about 50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to about 70, about 70 to about 80, about 80 to about
90, about 90 to about 100, about 100 to about 110, about 110 to about 120, about 120 to about
130, about 130 to about 140, about 140 to about 150, about 150 to about 160, about 160 to about
1 0, about 170 to about 180, about 180 to about 190, about 190 to about 200, about 200 to about
210, about 210 to about 220, about 220 to about 230, about 230 to about 240, or about 240 to
about 250 mm and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container, wherein the container
is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container, comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene
glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has a length of between about 104 and
about 106, about 106 and about 108, about 108 and about 110, about 110 and about 112, about
112 and about 114, about 114 and about 116, about 116 and about 118, about 118 or about 120
mm; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container.
In specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component, wherein the preform has a length of between about 104 and about 106, about
106 and about 108, about 108 and about 110, about 110 and about 112, about 112 and about
114, about 114 and about 116, about 116 and about 118, about 118 or about 120 mm; and (ii)
stretch blow molding the preform into a container, wherein the container is a food or beverage
container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container, comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene
glycol) and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has a length of about 110 mm and a
finished length of about 88 mml and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container.
In specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component, wherein the preform wherein the preform has a length of about 110 mm and a
finished length of about 88 mml and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container,
wherein the container is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container, comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has a
length of between about 30 mm to about 250 mm; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into
a container.
In specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has a length of
between about 30 mm to about 250 mm; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a
container, wherein the container is a food or beverage container, such as a bottle.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container, comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has a
length of between about 30 to about 40, about 40 to about 50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to
about 70, about 70 to about 80, about 80 to about 90, about 90 to about 100, about 100 to about
110, about 110 to about 120, about 120 to about 130, about 130 to about 140, about 140 to about
150, about 150 to about 160, about 160 to about 170, about 170 to about 180, about 180 to about
1 0, about 190 to about 200, about 200 to about 210, about 210 to about 220, about 220 to about
230, about 230 to about 240, or about 240 or about 250 mm; and (ii) stretch blow molding the
preform into a container.
In specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has a length of
between about 30 to about 40, about 40 to about 50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to about 70,
about 70 to about 80, about 80 to about 90, about 90 to about 100, about 100 to about 110, about
110 to about 120, about 120 to about 130, about 130 to about 140, about 140 to about 150, about
150 to about 160, about 160 to about 170, about 170 to about 180, about 180 to about 190, about
190 to about 200, about 200 to about 210, about 210 to about 220, about 220 to about 230, about
230 to about 240, or about 240 or about 250 mm; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into
a container, wherein the container is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container, comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has a
length of between about 104 and about 106, about 106 and about 108, about 108 and about 110,
about 110 and about 112, about 112 and about 114, about 114 and about 116, about 116 and
about 118, about 118 or about 120 ; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container.
In specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has a length of
between about 104 and about 106, about 106 and about 108, about 108 and about 110, about 110
and about 112, about 112 and about 114, about 114 and about 116, about 116 and about 118,
about 118 or about 120 ; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container, wherein the
container is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container, comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has a
length of has a length of about 110 and a finished length of about 88 mm; and (ii) stretch blow
molding the preform into a container.
In specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has a length of has a
length of about 110 and a finished length of about 88 mm; and (ii) stretch blow molding the
preform into a container, wherein the container is a food or beverage container, such as a food or
beverage container.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component and an FDCA component,
wherein the preform has an inside length to diameter (1/d) ratio of between about 1.05 and about
25.0; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container.
In specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component and an FDCA component
wherein the preform has an inside length to diameter (1/d) ratio of between about 1.05 and about
25.0; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container, wherein the container is a food
or beverage container.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component and an FDCA component,
wherein the preform has an inside length to diameter (1/d) ratio of between about wherein the
preform has an inside 1/d ratio of between about 1.05 and about 2.0, about 2.0 and about 3.0,
about 3.0 and about 4.0, about 4.0 and about 5.0, about 5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0 and about
7.0, about 7.0 and about 8.0, about 8.0 and about 9.0, about 10.0 and about 11.0, about 11.0 and
about 12.0, about 12.0 and about 13.0, about 13.0 and about 14.0, about 14.0 and about 15.0,
about 15.0 and about 16.0, about 16.0 and about 17.0, about 17.0 and about 18.0, about 18.0 and
about 19.0, about 19.0 and about 20.0, about 21.0 and about 22.0, about 22.0 and about 23.0,
about 23.0 and about 24.0, and about 24.0 or about 25.0; and (ii) stretch blow molding the
preform into a container.
In specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component and an FDCA component,
wherein the preform has an inside length to diameter (1/d) ratio of between about wherein the
preform has an inside 1/d ratio of between about 1.05 and about 2.0, about 2.0 and about 3.0,
about 3.0 and about 4.0, about 4.0 and about 5.0, about 5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0 and about
7.0, about 7.0 and about 8.0, about 8.0 and about 9.0, about 10.0 and about 11.0, about 11.0 and
about 12.0, about 12.0 and about 13.0, about 13.0 and about 14.0, about 14.0 and about 15.0,
about 15.0 and about 16.0, about 16.0 and about 17.0, about 17.0 and about 18.0, about 18.0 and
about 19.0, about 19.0 and about 20.0, about 21.0 and about 22.0, about 22.0 and about 23.0,
about 23.0 and about 24.0, and about 24.0 or about 25.0; and (ii) stretch blow molding the
preform into a container, wherein the container is a food or beverage container, such as a
beverage bottle.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component and an FDCA component,
wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio of between about 4 and about 5 and (ii) stretch blow
molding the preform into a container.
In a specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component and an FDCA component,
wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio of between about 4 and about 5 and (ii) stretch blow
molding the preform into a container, wherein the container is a food or beverage container, such
as a beverage bottle.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component and an FDCA component,
wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio of between about 4.37 and (ii) stretch blow molding
the preform into a container.
In a specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component and an FDCA component,
wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio of between about 4.37 and (ii) stretch blow molding
the preform into a container, wherein the container is a food or beverage container, such as a
beverage bottle.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component and an FDCA component,
wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio of between about 13 and (ii) stretch blow molding
the preform into a container.
In a specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component and an FDCA component,
wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio of between about 13 and (ii) stretch blow molding
the preform into a container, wherein the container is a food or beverage container, such as a
bottle.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has an inside length to
diameter (1/d) ratio of between about 1.05 and about 25.0; and (ii) stretch blow molding the
preform into a container.
In specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has an inside length to
diameter (1/d) ratio of between about 1.05 and about 25.0; and (ii) stretch blow molding the
preform into a container, wherein the container is a food or beverage container.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has an inside length to
diameter (1/d) ratio of between about wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio of between
about 1.05 and about 2.0, about 2.0 and about 3.0, about 3.0 and about 4.0, about 4.0 and about
5.0, about 5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0 and about 7.0, about 7.0 and about 8.0, about 8.0 and
about 9.0, about 10.0 and about 11.0, about 11.0 and about 12.0, about 12.0 and about 13.0,
about 13.0 and about 14.0, about 14.0 and about 15.0, about 15.0 and about 16.0, about 16.0 and
about 17.0, about 17.0 and about 18.0, about 18.0 and about 19.0, about 19.0 and about 20.0,
about 21.0 and about 22.0, about 22.0 and about 23.0, about 23.0 and about 24.0, and about 24.0
or about 25.0; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container.
In specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has an inside length to
diameter (1/d) ratio of between about wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio of between
about 1.05 and about 2.0, about 2.0 and about 3.0, about 3.0 and about 4.0, about 4.0 and about
5.0, about 5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0 and about 7.0, about 7.0 and about 8.0, about 8.0 and
about 9.0, about 10.0 and about 11.0, about 11.0 and about 12.0, about 12.0 and about 13.0,
about 13.0 and about 14.0, about 14.0 and about 15.0, about 15.0 and about 16.0, about 16.0 and
about 17.0, about 17.0 and about 18.0, about 18.0 and about 19.0, about 19.0 and about 20.0,
about 21.0 and about 22.0, about 22.0 and about 23.0, about 23.0 and about 24.0, and about 24.0
or about 25.0; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container, wherein the container
is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio
of between about 4 and about 5 and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a contamer.
In a specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio
of between about 4 and about 5 and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container,
wherein the container is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform PEF, wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio of between
about 4.37 and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container.
In a specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio
of between about 4.37 and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container, wherein the
container is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio
of between about 13 and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container.
In a specific embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has an inside 1/d ratio
of between about 13 and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container, wherein the
container is a food or beverage container, such as a bottle.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (i.e., ethylene glycol), wherein
the preform having (i) a length of between about 0 mm to about 250 mm and an inside 1/d ratio
of about 1.05 to about 25.0; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component, wherein the preform has (a) a length of between about 30 to about 40, about
40 to about 50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to about 70, about 70 to about 80, about 80 to
about 90, about 90 to about 100, about 100 to about 110, about 110 to about 120, about 120 to
about 130, about 130 to about 140, about 140 to about 150, about 150 to about 160, about 160 to
about 170, about 170 to about 180, about 180 to about 190, about 190 to about 200, about 200 to
about 210, about 210 to about 220, about 220 to about 230, about 230 to about 240, or about 240
to about 250 mm and (b) an inside 1/d ratio of between about 1.05 and about 2.0, about 2.0 and
about 3.0, about 3.0 and about 4.0, about 4.0 and about 5.0, about 5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0
and about 7.0, about 7.0 and about 8.0, about 8.0 and about 9.0, about 10.0 and about 11.0, about
11.0 and about 12.0, about 12.0 and about 13.0, about 13.0 and about 14.0, about 14.0 and about
15.0, about 15.0 and about 16.0, about 16.0 and about 17.0, about 17.0 and about 18.0, about
18.0 and about 19.0, about 19.0 and about 20.0, about 21.0 and about 22.0, about 22.0 and about
23.0, about 23.0 and about 24.0, or about 24.0 or about 25.0; and (ii) stretch blow molding the
preform to provide a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage
container, such as a beverage bottle.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component, wherein the preform has (a) a length of between about 104 and about 106,
about 106 and about 108, about 108 and about 110, about 110 and about 112, about 112 and
about 114, about 114 and about 116, about 116 and about 118, about 118 or about 120 and (b) an
internal 1/d ratio of about 4 to about 5; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container.
In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage
bottle.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component, wherein the preform has (a) a length of about 110 mm; (b) a finished length
of about 88 mm; and (c) an internal 1/d ratio of about 4.37; and (ii) stretch blow molding the
preform into a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage
container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol)
and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has a length of between about 30 mm to about
250 mm and an inside 1/d ratio of about 1.05 to about 25.0; and (ii) stretch blow molding the
preform into a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage
container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol)
and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has (a) a length of between about 30 to about 40,
about 40 to about 50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to about 70, about 70 to about 80, about 80
to about 90, about 90 to about 100, about 100 to about 110, about 110 to about 120, about 120 to
about 130, about 130 to about 140, about 140 to about 150, about 150 to about 160, about 160 to
about 170, about 170 to about 180, about 180 to about 190, about 190 to about 200, about 200 to
about 210, about 210 to about 220, about 220 to about 230, about 230 to about 240, or about 240
to about 250 mm and (b) an inside 1/d ratio of between about 1.05 and about 2.0, about 2.0 and
about 3.0, about 3.0 and about 4.0, about 4.0 and about 5.0, about 5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0
and about 7.0, about 7.0 and about 8.0, about 8.0 and about 9.0, about 10.0 and about 11.0, about
11.0 and about 12.0, about 12.0 and about 13.0, about 13.0 and about 14.0, about 14.0 and about
15.0, about 15.0 and about 16.0, about 16.0 and about 17.0, about 17.0 and about 18.0, about
18.0 and about 19.0, about 19.0 and about 20.0, about 21.0 and about 22.0, about 22.0 and about
23.0, about 23.0 and about 24.0, or about 24.0 or about 25.0; and (ii) stretch blow molding the
preform into a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage
container, such as a beverage bottle.
In yet another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol)
and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has (a) a length of between about 104 and about
106, about 106 and about 108, about 108 and about 110, about 110 and about 112, about 112
and about 114, about 114 and about 116, about 116 and about 118, about 118 or about 120 and
(b) an internal 1/d ratio of about 4 to about 5; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a
container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage container, such as a
beverage bottle.
In yet another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol)
and an FDCA component, wherein the preform has (a) a length of about 110 mm; (b) a finished
length of about 88 mm; and (c) an internal 1/d ratio of about 4.37; and (ii) stretch blow molding
the preform into a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage
container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component, wherein the preform has a preform having an IV of between about 0.750
dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform to provide a container. In a
specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component, wherein the preform has a preform having an IV a preform having an IV of
about 0.763 dL/g; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform to provide a container. In a specific
embodiment, the container is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container,
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform having (i) a length of
between about 30 mm to about 250 mm and an inside 1/d ratio of about 1.05 to about 25.0; and
(ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has (a) a length of
between about 30 to about 40, about 40 to about 50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to about 70,
about 70 to about 80, about 80 to about 90, about 90 to about 100, about 100 to about 110, about
110 to about 120, about 120 to about 130, about 130 to about 140, about 140 to about 150, about
150 to about 160, about 160 to about 170, about 170 to about 180, about 180 to about 190, about
190 to about 200, about 200 to about 210, about 210 to about 220, about 220 to about 230, about
230 to about 240, or about 240 to about 250 mm and (b) an inside 1/d ratio of between about 1.05
and about 2.0, about 2.0 and about 3.0, about 3.0 and about 4.0, about 4.0 and about 5.0, about
5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0 and about 7.0, about 7.0 and about 8.0, about 8.0 and about 9.0,
about 10.0 and about 11.0, about 11.0 and about 12.0, about 12.0 and about 13.0, about 13.0 and
about 14.0, about 14.0 and about 15.0, about 15.0 and about 16.0, about 16.0 and about 17.0,
about 17.0 and about 18.0, about 18.0 and about 19.0, about 19.0 and about 20.0, about 2 1.0 and
about 22.0, about 22.0 and about 23.0, about 23.0 and about 24.0, or about 24.0 or about 25.0;
and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform to provide a container. In a specific embodiment, the
container is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has (a) a length of
between about 104 and about 106, about 106 and about 108, about 108 and about 110, about 110
and about 112, about 112 and about 114, about 114 and about 116, about 116 and about 118,
about 118 or about 120 and (b) an internal 1 d ratio of about 4 to about 5; and (ii) stretch blow
molding the preform into a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or
beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In a particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has (a) a length of
about 110 mm; (b) a finished length of about 88 mm; and (c) an internal 1/d ratio of about 4.37;
and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container. In a specific embodiment, the
container is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has a length
of between about 30 mm to about 250 mm and an inside 1/d ratio of about 1.05 to about 25.0;
and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container. In a specific embodiment, the
container is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has (a) a
length of between about 30 to about 40, about 40 to about 50, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to
about 70, about 70 to about 80, about 80 to about 90, about 90 to about 100, about 100 to about
110, about 110 to about 120, about 120 to about 130, about 130 to about 140, about 140 to about
150, about 150 to about 160, about 160 to about 170, about 170 to about 180, about 180 to about
1 0, about 1 0 to about 200, about 200 to about 210, about 210 to about 220, about 220 to about
230, about 230 to about 240, or about 240 to about 250 mm and (b) an inside l/d ratio of between
about 1.05 and about 2.0, about 2.0 and about 3.0, about 3.0 and about 4.0, about 4.0 and about
5.0, about 5.0 and about 6.0, about 6.0 and about 7.0, about 7.0 and about 8.0, about 8.0 and
about 9.0, about 10.0 and about 11.0, about 11.0 and about 12.0, about 12.0 and about 13.0,
about 13.0 and about 14.0, about 14.0 and about 15.0, about 15.0 and about 16.0, about 16.0 and
about 17.0, about 17.0 and about 18.0, about 18.0 and about 19.0, about 19.0 and about 20.0,
about 21.0 and about 22.0, about 22.0 and about 23.0, about 23.0 and about 24.0, or about 24.0
or about 25.0; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container. In a specific
embodiment, the container is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In yet another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has (a) a
length of between about 104 and about 106, about 106 and about 108, about 108 and about 110,
about 110 and about 112, about 112 and about 114, about 114 and about 116, about 116 and
about 118, about 118 or about 120 and (b) an internal l/d ratio of about 4 to about 5; and (ii)
stretch blow molding the preform into a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a
food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In yet another particular embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a
container comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a PEF, wherein the preform has (a) a
length of about 110 mm; (b) a finished length of about 88 mm; and (c) an internal l/d ratio of
about 4.37; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform into a container. In a specific
embodiment, the container is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container
comprising (i) providing a preform PEF, wherein the preform has a preform having an IV of
between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform to
provide a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage container, such
as a beverage bottle.
In another embodiment, the present invention is a process for producing a container
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has a preform having
an IV a preform having an IV of about 0.763 dL/g; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform to
provide a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage container, such
as a beverage bottle.
In another embodiment, invention is a process for producing a container comprising (i)
providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA
component, wherein the preform has an IV of between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g
and a length between about 30 mm and about 2 0 mm; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform
to provide a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage container,
such as a beverage bottle.
In a particular embodiment, invention is a process for producing a container comprising
(i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an FDCA
component, wherein the preform has an IV of between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g
and a length between 105 mm and about 120 mm; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform to
provide a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage container, such
as a beverage bottle.
In another particular embodiment, invention is a process for producing a container
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component, wherein the preform has an IV of between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780
dL/g and a length of about 110 mm; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform to provide a
container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage container, such as a
beverage bottle.
In yet another particular embodiment, invention is a process for producing a container
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising a diol component (e.g., ethylene glycol) and an
FDCA component, wherein the preform has (a) an IV of between about 0.750 dL/g and about
0.780 dL/g and (b) a length of about 110 mm and (c) an internal l d ratio of between about 4 and
about 5; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform to provide a container. In a specific
embodiment, the container is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another embodiment, invention is a process for producing a container comprising (i)
providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has an IV of between about 0.750
dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g and a length between about 30 mm and about 250 mm; and (ii)
stretch blow molding the preform to provide a container. In a specific embodiment, the container
is a food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In a particular embodiment, invention is a process for producing a container comprising
(i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has an IV of between about 0.750
dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g and a length between 105 mm and about 120 mm; and (ii) stretch
blow molding the preform to provide a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a
food or beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In another particular embodiment, invention is a process for producing a container
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has an IV of between
about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g and a length of about 110 mm; and (ii) stretch blow
molding the preform to provide a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or
beverage container, such as a beverage bottle.
In yet another particular embodiment, invention is a process for producing a container
comprising (i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has (a) an IV of
between about 0.750 dL/g and about 0.780 dL/g and (b) a length of about 110 mm and (c) an
internal l/d ratio of between about 4 and about 5; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform to
provide a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage container, such
as a beverage bottle.
In exemplary embodiments, invention is a process for producing a container comprising
(i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has (a) a hoop stretch ratio of
about 5.0 and about 5.5, or more particularly, about 5.0, about 5.1, about 5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4
or about 5.5; (b) an axial stretch ratio between about 2.5 and about 3.5, or more particularly,
about 2.5, about 2.6, about 2.7, about 2.8, about 2.9, about 3.0, about 3.1, or about 3.3.
In exemplary embodiments, invention is a process for producing a container comprising
(i) providing a preform comprising PEF, wherein the preform has (a) a hoop stretch ratio of
about 5.0 and about 5.5, or more particularly, about 5.0, about 5.1, about 5.2, about 5.3, about 5.4
or about 5.5; (b) an axial stretch ratio between about 2.5 and about 3.5, or more particularly,
about 2.5, about 2.6, about 2.7, about 2.8, about 2.9, about 3.0, about 3.1, or about 3.3; (c) a
length between about 20 about 400 mm, more particularly, about 20 and about 30, about 30 and
about 35, about 35 and about 50, about 50 and about 100, about 100 and about 200, about 200
and about 250, or about 250 and about 400; and (d) an internal 1/d ratio of between about 3 and
about 6, more particularly about 4 and about 5; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform to
provide a container. In a specific embodiment, the container is a food or beverage container, such
as a beverage bottle.
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a method for producing a container
(e.g., a bottle) comprising ( i) injection molding a resin comprising FDCA and at least one diol to
provide a preform, wherein the preform has a (a) a hoop stretch ratio of between about 2.6 and
about 8.2, more particularly, about 5.2 and about 7.2, even more particularly, about 3.5 and about
5.3; (b) an axial stretch ratio of between about 2.0 and about 5.0, more particularly, about 3 and
about 4, even more particularly, about 2.3 and about 3.3; (c) a length between about 20 and
about 400 mm; and (d) an IV of between about 0.80 and about 0.95, or more particularly, about
0.83 and about 0.92; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform to produce a PEF container (e.g.,
a bottle).
In exemplary embodiments, the present invention is a method for producing a container
(e.g., a bottle) comprising ( i) providing a preform having (a) a hoop stretch ratio of between
about 2.6 and about 8.2, more particularly, about 5.2 and about 7.2, even more particularly, about
3.5 and about 5.3; (b) an axial stretch ratio of between about 2.0 and about 5.0, more particularly,
about 3 and about 4, even more particularly, about 2.3 and about 3.3; (c) a length between about
20 and about 400 mm; and (d) an IV of between about 0.80 and about 0.95, or more particularly,
about 0.83 and about 0.92; and (ii) stretch blow molding the preform to produce a PEF container
(e.g., a bottle).
As noted above, Example 5 describes the stretch blow molding of an exemplary preform
(i.e., 3.2 axial ratio preform) of the present invention. This is in contrast, as noted above, to the
unsuccessful attempt described in Example 5 to stretch blow mold a conventional preform (i.e.,
2.2 axial ratio).
Surprisingly, the highest tensile modulus in the sidewall samples of the container blown
from the PEF preform of the present invention is in the axial direction, which is unique to a blow
molded bottle. The length of the preform can be increased to allow for less initial orientation in
the axial direction, with a corresponding increase in hoop orientation and creep resistance. Also
surprising is that the PEF material can be oriented even with thermal crystals, which differs from
PET.
Date from free blow experiments (see Example 5) indicates an onset of hoop-direction
strain hardening in the stretch ratio range of 4.5 to 5.5 at about 96°C. Taking into account the
inside preform axial length and diameter, the overall stretch ratios for PEF free blown balloons
exceed 25.0 at 96°C, and reach as high as 28.7, without stress whitening.
PEF surprisingly has a much broader window for stretch blow molding than PET, due to
its lower entanglement density and reduce crystallinity and crystallization rate.
Containers
The method described in Section V, above, produces FDCA polymer-based containers,
such as PEF containers. Suitable containers include, but are not limited to, bottles, drums,
carafes, coolers, and the like. The container may be used to store any suitable contents, including
but not limited to food and beverages. In a particular embodiment, the container is a hot-fill
container, such as a hot-fill food or beverage container.
FIGS. 4, 11-13 illustrate embodiments of the preform of the present invention.
In one embodiment of the invention, the container is a PEF bottle. In a particular
embodiment, the container is a PEF bottle used to package a beverage, such as water, juice, a
carbonated beverage or beer. The PEF bottle of the present invention may be used to hot-fill
beverages or food.
Figure 4 provides an exemplary embodiment of the container of the present invention,
where the container 22 comprises a shell 24 comprising a threaded neck finish 26 defining a
mouth 28, a capping flange =30 below the threaded neck finish, a tapered section 32 extending
from the capping flange, a body section 34 extending below the tapered section, and a base 36 at
the bottom of the container. The container 22 is suitably used to make a packaged beverage 38,
as illustrated in FIG. 4 . The packaged beverage 38 includes a beverage such as a carbonated soda
beverage disposed in the container 22 and a closure 40 sealing the mouth 28 of the container.
The container of the present invention optionally may comprise a plurality of layers. In a
particular embodiment, the container has two or more layers, three or more layers, four or more
layers or five or more layers.
The preform 10, container 22, and packaged beverage 38 are but examples of applications
using the preforms of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the process and
apparatus provided herein can be used to make preforms and containers having a variety of
configurations.
Advantageously, the container of the present invention is renewable but also exhibits
properties similar to or superior to PET containers. These properties include thermal properties,
barrier properties and other physical performance properties.
With respect to thermal properties, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PEF is about
11°C higher than PET, while the melting temperature (Tm) is about 40°C lower than PET.
With respect to barrier properties, the O2 barrier of the PEF container of the present
invention is about 20, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, about
100, about 110, about 120, about 130, about 140, about 150, about 160, about 170, about 180,
about 1 0, about 200, about 300, about 400 or about 500 % better than PET. In a particular
embodiment, the (¾ barrier of the container of the present invention about 100% times better
than O2 barrier of a corresponding PET container.
Similarly, the CO2 barrier of the PEF container of the present invention is about 20, about
30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, about 100, about 110, about 120,
about 130, about 140, about 150, about 160, about 170, about 180, about 190, about 200, about
300, about 400 or about 500 % better than PET. In a particular embodiment, the CO2 barrier of
the PEF container of the present invention is about 100% times better than the CO2 barrier of a
corresponding PET container.
The amount of carbon dioxide remaining in a packaged carbonated soft drink determines its
shelf life. Normally, carbonated soft drink containers are filled with approximately four volumes
of carbon dioxide per volume of water. It is generally accepted that a packaged carbonated soft
drink reaches the end of its shelf life when 17.5 percent of the carbon dioxide in the container is
lost due to permeation of the carbon dioxide through the container side wall and closure. After a
bottle is filled with approximately four volumes of carbon dioxide, the bottle will slowly expand
with time due to the creep of polymer molecules under pressure. The carbonation level is
reduced due to the bottle expansion.
In exemplary embodiments, the PEF container has a shelf life at least five (5), at least ten
(10), at least twenty (20), at least twenty five (25), at least thirty (30), at least thirty five (35), at
least forty (40, at least forty five (45), at least fifty (50), at least fifty five (55), at least sixty (60),
at least sixty five (65), at least seventy (70), at least seventy five (75), at least eighty (80), at
least eighty five (85), at least ninety (90), at least ninety five (95) or at least hundred (100) %
longer than a corresponding PET container or a PEF container made from a conventional PET
preform, or more particularly, a 2.2 axial ratio preform.
In a particular embodiment, the PEF container has a shelf life that is at least one, at least
two, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six or at least seven days, one
week, eith days, nine days, ten days, eleven days, twelve days, thirteen days, two weeks, fifteen
days, sixteen days, seventeen days, eighteen days, nineteen days, three weeks, four weeks, five
weeks, six weeks, seven weeks or eight weeks over the shelf life of a corresponding PET bottle
longer than a corresponding PET container or a PEF container made from a conventional PET
preform.
In another particular embodiment, the PEF container has a shelf life that is at least one, at
least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at
least nine, or at least ten weeks longer than a corresponding PET container or a PEF container
made from a conventional PET preform.
In another particular embodiment, the PEF container has a shelf life of at least one, at
least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at
least nine, or at least ten, at least twelve, at least fourteen, at least sixteen, at least eighteen, at
least twenty, at least twenty two, at least twenty four, at least twenty six, at least twenty eight, at
least about thirty, at least about 40 or at least about 0 weeks or longer.
In one embodiment, the container of the present invention is intended to contain a
substance, such as a beverage, during a thermal process, typically a hot-fill process. For hot-fill
bottling applications, bottlers generally fill the container with a liquid or product at an elevated
temperature between approximately 68 °C to 96°C and seal the container at the finish with the
closure member or cap before cooling. In addition, the PEF container may be suitable for other
high-temperature pasteurization or retort filling processes or other thermal processes as well.
The following examples are intended to illustrate rather than limit the disclosed invention.
EXAMPLES
Example 1: PEF Crystallization
Example 2 : Determination of Entanglement Molecular Weight
Efforts were focused on confirming the entanglement density of PEF. A review of
isochronal ( 1 Hz) dynamical mechanical data measured in tension t indicated a plateau modulus
of about 3.59 MPa at 125°C. According to the Doi-Edwards relationship for the rubbery plateau
shear modulus:
(1)
In the case of rubbers, the plateau modulus measured in tension, ff = 3 , so that
Equation (1) must be modified as follows:
(2)
One may see results quoted in the scientific literature using the more traditional equations
for the plateau modulus which neglect the 4/5 prefactor. In this case, for shear the result is:
(3)
And for measurement in tension:
(4)
The entanglement molecular weight, Me, using Equation (4) with dynamic mechanical
analysis data measured in tension was found to be 3,710 for PEF. Separate testing in the melt at
120°C under dynamic shear for a 0.912 dL/g PEF resin, using the procedure described below,
confirmed the validity of this this value with a result of 3,550 g/mol, using Equation (3). The
values obtained using Equations (2) and (1) were 3,710 g/mol and 2,970 g/mol, respectively.
These values indicate the entanglement density for amorphous PEF is roughly 41% of that for
amorphous PET.
Melt rheological analyses were performed for a 0.912 dL/g IV virgin PEF resin prepared
from 2,5-dimethyl furanoate (PEF-DMF CH12:d01065 J v/d Visit 06-15-2012 from Avantium).
The samples were melt compounded and pressed into 25-mm diameter, 2 mm thick discs. The
discs were dried in a vacuum oven at 140°C for at least 20 hours and were placed in a dessicator.
Rheological measurements were performed using a Rheometrics ARES strain-controlled
rheometer using a constant strain amplitude of 3%. Temperature-frequency sweeps were
conducted from high frequency to low frequency (512 rad/s to 1 rad/s) at measurement
temperatures of 240, 200, 160, and 120°C following an initial preheat of 250°C to erase vestiges
of crystallinity. The resulting data were reduced to a master curve at 120°C using timetemperature
superposition, with an Arrhenius flow activation energy of 161.0 kJ/mol (R =
0.9681). The plateau modulus GN°, extracted from the minimum in the loss tangent curve, was
determined to be 1.25 MPa, yielding and entanglement density ve of 0.382 mmol/cm3 and an
entanglement molecular weight of 3,550 g/mol using the traditional equation G = veRT, where
R is the gas constant and T is the absolute temperature. The mass density of PEF at 120°C
(393 ) was calculated using the equation p (g/cm3) = 1.435 exp[-6.0 x 10 4(T - 298)]. Me was
computed using the equation Me =plv e.
Example 3 : Strain Hardening of PEF Plaques
Biaxial stretching trials of injection molded PEF plaques at stretching temperatures ranging
from 100 to 110°C and equibiaxial stretch ratios ranging from 2.5 x 2.5 to 4.0 x 4.0 giving
overall (areal) stretch ratios from about 6.3 to 16.
As shown in Figure 3, biaxial stress-strain curves obtained from the PEF biaxial stretching
experiments conducted at PTI indicated little to no strain hardening for the range of biaxial
stretch ratios considered. In some cases, the samples exhibited strain softening during extension.
These results were consistent with the view that a reduction in the entanglement density in PEF,
as compared to PET, was contributing to the earlier observed volumetric creep behavior and the
lack of strain hardening (and even strain softening) behavior in the biaxial stretching
experiments.
Example 4 :
The preform half-cross-section profile below the finish was determined. The five plots
pertain to the following preforms, as shown in Figure 4 and 5.
Table I
Example 5 : Stretch Blow Molding of PEF Preforms
Two preforms were stretch blow molded using a Sidel™ SB01 single cavity stretch blow
molding machine. The various dimensions and properties of the two preforms are shown in
Table II.
Long Preform (ASR x HSR = 2.20 x 4.20)
Viable stretch blow molding conditions could not be determined over a range of preform
heating profiles, molding preblow and blow pressures, and inflation rates and times could be
found for the long preform design.
Two stretch regimes were observed for the preform:
o Upper inflation of the transition section with rupture of the preform between heating
zones 6 and 7 bracketing the inner diameter step just before the end cap. The lower
section of the preform in this case was stretched minimally, but significant stretching
of the preform transition section was observed.
o Lower inflation of the end cap with minimal or limited stretching of the preform
transition and body sections. Preform rupture occurred in the vicinity of heater zones
2 to 3 .
No combination of stretching conditions with the SB01 could be found which yielded a
completely stretched bottle.
The long preform required significant heating of the end cap region to achieve stretching.
For all runs, the oven heaters for the end cap region of the preform were run at maximum or near
maximum power levels to achieve any extension. When heated to an overall oven power level
above 80% full power, the heated preforms would begin to wobble and lose concentricity at the
end cap. The preform would then become snagged on the stretch rod during axial stretching.
Blowouts in the vicinity of heater zones 6 and 7 could have been due to stretch rod snagging of
the non-concentric preform.
Short Preform (ASR x HSR = 3.05 x 3.07)
Viable stretch blow molding conditions were determined over a range of preform heating
profiles, molding preblow and blow pressures, and inflation rates and times could be found for
the long preform design.
An infrared heating profile was determined for the bottle which provided near optimal
distribution of wall thickness compared to the 1.0 liter refPET bottle reference. Excellent bottles
were produced with no preblow, and a delayed high blow of 40 bars.
Resin distribution within the bottle (relative to the 1.0-liter standard ref PET bottle) was
0.47% low in the finish/neck region, 47.3% heavy in the transition section, 4.3% light in the
body/sidewall section, and 22. 1% low in the base region.
Table II
Example 6 : Free Blow Molding of PEF Preforms
Table PI
Results PEF Preform Freeblow Experiments at PTI
Date Performed: 5/17/2013 ;
Free Blow Temperature (°C) 96
Free Blow Pressure (psig) 39
Main Body
Starting
Length Main Body Preform
; Transition
Preform Sample Mass (g) Above Diameter Wall
i Diameter
Finish (mm] (mm) Thickness
(mm)
(mm)
12.8 i 58.68 24.23 15.97 2.32
Measurement Locations on Freeblown Container
70 mm 140 mm 70 mm 140mm 140 mm 140mm
Free Blow Axial Overall
Length Free Blow Hoop Stretch ; Hoop Stretch Overall Overall Axial Stretch Hoop Stretch
Diameter at Stretch Stretch
Preform Free Blow Sample i Above iDiameter at 70 Ratio Ratio Stretch Ratio Stretch Ratio Ratio Ratio
140 mm Ratio Ratio
; Finish (mm] mm (mm) (Outside) (Outside) (Outside) (Outside] (Outside) (Outside)
(mm) (Outside) (Inside)
A-l 200.42 75.86 79.67 3.42 4.75 4.99 16.2 17.0 3.56 7.03 25.0
A-2 210.13 77.05 85.4 3.58 4.82 5.35 17.3 19.1 3.73 7.54 2S.1
A-3 207.99 76.29 84.73 3.54 4.78 5.31 16.9 18.8 3.69 7.48 27.6
A-4 203.66 77.76 83.61 3.47 4.87 5.24 16.9 18.2 3.61 7.38 26.7
A-5 i 214.42 77.23 85.48 3.65 4.84 5.35 17.7 19.6 3.80 7.54 28.7
The preforms were molded from PEF resin. The preform IV was measured at 0.744dL/g.
The preform temperature and free blow pressure were written on the free blow balloons
themselves. Temperature was in the range of 95- 100C.
The finish lengths of the freeblown balloons were in the range of 200-215 mm. The
outside diameters of the freeblown balloons were measured at axial positions of 70 mm and 140
mm along the containers, below the finish. Outside axial stretch ratios were obtained by dividing
the outside measured length of the freeblown balloons by the outside main body length of the
preform above the finish / support ring. Outside hoop stretch ratios were obtained by dividing
the outside measured diameter of the freeblown balloons by the outside main body diameter.
These data indicate an onset of hoop-direction strain hardening in the stretch ratio range of 4.5 to
5.5 at about 96°C. Taking into account the inside preform axial length and diameter, the overall
stretch ratios for PEF freeblown balloons exceed 25.0 at 96°C, and reach as high as 28.7, without
stress whitening.
Example 7 : Injection Molding of PEF Preforms
Both long and short preforms were injection molded with a small gate which produced shear
rates at the gate that may have been as high as 40,000 s 1. According to information provided by
PTI, Inc. process engineers, injection times averaged 6.9 s for each nominal 70 g preform, and
the gate capillary diameter was 0.127 cm. for these conditions, the shear rate, , through the
gate capillary is given by:
where the volumetric flow rate of the resin melt, Q = m / pt, m is the mass of resin of density p
extruded in time t, and D is the diameter of the capillary. Assuming a PEF melt density at the
injection molding temperature of about 1.30 g/cm , the shear rate in the gate capillary is:
©
ί &-^ » soft
Large bubbles were observed in the early produced preforms. This could be due to the large
pressure drop taken over the gate which reduced the available mold packing pressure. Severe
chattering near the gate and evidence of " jetting" of the melt into the empty mold at the start of
filling induced non-uniform stress profiles which correlated with off-center alignment of the
preform and bottle bases during stretch blow molding. Off-center alignment could be easily and
repeatable demonstrated by segregating the preforms with severe chattering and non-uniform
flow lines at the end cap. Preforms with transparent, uniform end caps processed with no
problems in stretch blow molding.
Example 9 :
As it was observed that PEF does not process similarly to PET because of the inherently
different mechanical properties for these two resin systems, new axial and hoop stretch ratios
were defined for preform designs that would yield stretch blow molded bottles of acceptable
quality and performance.
A. Experimental Validation of Concept
In order to validate this concept, four unique 13 g preforms (Figure 1 through 4) were
designed to achieve areal stretch ratios (areal stretch ratio = axial stretch ratio x hoop stretch
ratio) ranging from 1 1 to 29 across three straight wall bottle designs (Figure 5 through 7),
ranging in size from 10 oz. to 16 oz. Table 1 also provides a summary of selected relevant
preform and bottle dimensions. The employed preform designs, bottle designs, and experiment
details are summarized in a report by Plastic Technologies, Inc. dated February 13, 2014. An
electronic copy of this report is included with this disclosure and incorporated herein by
reference.
}
Table III: Experiment plan for PEF preform design evaluation.
Preform Injection Molding Procedure: The PEF resin was dried a minimum of 48 hours at
140°C under vacuum. Each preform tooling was installed on an Arburg 420 injection molding
machine with a valve-gated hot runner end cap and a 35mm general purpose screw
configuration. The injection molding conditions were optimized to produce acceptable preforms
with minimum molded-in stresses and no visual defects at the minimum melt temperature.
Reheat Injection Molding Procedure: All bottles were blown on a Sidel SB01 lab reheat
stretch blow molding machine. The blow molding conditions listed below were used to produce
bottles for further study at TCCC. Bottles were produced from all preform and bottle
combinations with the exception of the 43104A1, which was the highest stretch ratio preform
and bottle combination. Using preform design 3 (CT- 10029-1), PET control bottles were
produced with each bottle mold.
Analytical Testing of Fabricated Bottles: Then resulting test bottles were submitted to
Global Packaging Analytical Services for transient testing of bottle material distribution,
volumetric creep, and shelf life.
B. Results
Preform and bottle dimensions, measured perform intrinsic viscosities, and results for creep
testing and carbonated beverage shelf life for the produced bottles at 22°C and 38°C are
summarized in Table 2.
Preferred, more preferred and most preferred ranges for the axial and inside hoop stretch
ratios for unmodified PEF resins in the range of intrinsic viscosities between 0.65 and 1.00 dL/g.
Based upon the results for volumetric creep and shelf life, most preferred stretch ratio ranges
were found to be bifurcated for the PEF bottles considered in this study. The elliptical domains
were conveniently defined for preferred, more preferred, and most preferred stretch ration
domains. These ranges were as follows:
Preferred:
Axial ratio coordinate (abscissa) offset: 3.35
Inside hoop ratio coordinate (ordinate) offset: 5.45
Major axis radius : 2.75
Minor axis radius: 1.25
Major axis rotation relative to axial stretch ratio abscissa: -75° (-1.31 radians)
More Preferred:
Axial ratio coordinate (abscissa) offset: 3.20
Inside hoop ratio coordinate (ordinate) offset: 5.35
Major axis radius: 2.30
Minor axis radius: 1.00
Major axis rotation relative to axial stretch ratio abscissa: -75° (-1.31 radians)
Most Preferred (high hoop stretch):
Axial ratio coordinate (abscissa) offset: 2.80
Inside hoop ratio coordinate (ordinate) offset: 6.20
Major axis radius: 1.00
Minor axis radius: 0.48
Major axis rotation relative to axial stretch ratio abscissa: -80° (-1 .40 radians)
Most Preferred (low hoop stretch):
Axial ratio coordinate (abscissa) offset: 3.55
Inside hoop ratio coordinate (ordinate) offset: 4.35
Major axis radius : 0.85
Minor axis radius: 0.47
Major axis rotation relative to axial stretch ratio abscissa: -90° (-1.57 radians)
}
Table IV: Volumetric creep and shelf life data at 22°C, 100% RH and 38°C, 85% RH.
Bottles produced within the most preferred ranges of stretch ratios yielded comparable
initial volumetric creep, but significantly higher shelf life, PEF bottles produced in the preferred
and more preferred ranges yielded higher volumetric creep strains than the corresponding PET bottles, but the shelf life was still over twice as high as for bottle the lowest recorded PEF shelf life.

CLAIMS
1. A preform comprising FDCA and at least one diol, wherein the preform has a (i)
hoop stretch ratio of between about 2.6 and about 8.2 and (ii) an axial stretch ratio between about
2.0 and about 5.0.
2. The preform of claim , wherein the at least one diol is ethylene glycol.
3. The preform of claim 1, wherein the hoop stretch ratio is between about 5.2 and
about 7.2 and the axial stretch ratio is between about 2.3 and about 3.3.
4. The preform of claim 1, wherein the hoop stretch ratio is between about 3.5 and
about 5.3 and the axial stretch ratio is between about 3 and about 4.
5. The preform of claim 1, wherein the at least one diol is bio-based.
6. The preform of claim 1, wherein the preform has a length of between about 20
and about 400 mm.
7. The preform of claim 1, wherein the preform has a length of between about 20
and about 50 mm.
. A container formed from the preform of claim 1.
9. The container of claim 8, wherein the container is a food or beverage container.
10. The container of claim 8, wherein the container is a beverage bottle.
1 . The container of claim 8, wherein the container has a shelf life of at least 8 weeks.
12. The container of claim 9, wherein the container has at least 20 weeks.
13. The container of claim 9, wherein the container has a shelf life of between about
20 and about 50 weeks.
14. A method of producing a container, comprising (i) providing a preform
comprising FDCA and a least diol, wherein the preform has (i) a hoop stretch ratio of between
about 2.6 and about 8.2 and (ii) an axial stretch ratio between about 2.0 and about 5.0.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one diol is ethylene glycol.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one diol is bio-based.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the hoop stretch ratio is between about 5.2 and
about 7.2 and the axial stretch ratio is between about 2.3 and about 3.3.
18. The preform of claim 14, wherein the hoop stretch ratio is between about 3.5 and
about 5.3 and the axial stretch ratio is between about 3 and about 4.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the preform has a length of between about 20
and about 400 mm.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein the preform has a length of between about 20
and about 50 mm.
2 1. The method of claim 14, wherein the container is a food or beverage container.
22. The method of claim 14, wherein the container is a beverage bottle.
2 . A method of producing a container, comprising (i) providing a resin comprising
FDCA and a least diol; (ii) injection molding the resin to provide a preform, wherein the preform
has a (i) hoop stretch ratio of between about 2.6 and about 8.2 and (ii) an axial stretch ratio
between about 2.0 and about 5.0.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the wherein at least one diol is ethylene glycol.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein the at least one diol is bio-based.
26. The method of claim 23, wherein the hoop stretch ratio is between about 5.2 and
about 7.2 and the axial stretch ratio is between about 2.3 and about 3.3.
27. The preform of claim 23, wherem the hoop stretch ratio is between about 3.5 and
about 5.3 and the axial stretch ratio is between about 3 and about 4.
28. The method of claim 23, wherem the preform has a length of between about 20
and about 400 mm.
29. The method of claim 23, wherem the preform has a length of between about 20
and about 50 mm.
30. The method of claim 23, wherem the container is a food or beverage container.
3 . The method of claim 23, wherem the container is a beverage bottle.