The mechanical properties of polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) and polylactic-acid (PDLLA and PLLA), the influence of material structure on forming

Those plastics that have been used by food industry as packaging (especially in sweet industry) have strict requirements. Most of these plastic constructions are primary or secondary packaging with direct or indirect contact with foodstuff. Over the appropriate mechanical properties, these packagings need to be safe enough to be used as direct contact material without any dangerous material migration or transfer. Recently the polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) is that material which is widely used for this kind of purpose and application. To substitute the PET, only that kind of alternative material which are fulfilling the requirements of applications and compliant to the relevant regulations can be applied.

The cost-efficient application of plastics strongly depends on the mechanical properties of the material. In light of these facts, both types of polylactic-acid (PDLLA, PLLA) and the PET were tested. Comparing their mechanical properties PLA could be used as a real alternative of PET.