How to Identify a Pet PTT

PET and PTT are acronyms for two chemical polymers used to make up carpet fibers. According to the FloorDaily website, polyethylene trimethylene terephthalate (PTT) was first patented in 1941. Commercial production of PTT, however, could not flourish because the cost of producing the raw materials needed to make it was too high. According to Beaulieu of America, polyethylene terephthalate or PET was introduced to American consumers in the 1960s. Visual characteristics do not distinguish PET from PTT carpets. In the 1990s the PET polymer experienced an industry re-discovery when it was found that these carpets could be made from recycled material.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 samples PTT polymer carpet
  • 2 samples PET polymer carpet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your polyethylene trimethylene terephthalate (PTT) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) carpet samples a wear test. According to Beaulieu of America, the molecular structure of the PTT polymer is stronger than that of the PET polymer. The carpet sample that shows more wear after a mechanical test may be identified as the PET carpet sample.

    • 2

      Read what each carpet manufacturer has listed as the carpet's flame resistance rating. Ratings are based on a carpet's laboratory tested and confirmed melting point. The lower the melting point, the higher the flammability of the carpet. The carpet sample with the highest resistance to flame may be identified as the polyethylene terephthalate polymer carpet.

    • 3

      Perform a chlorine bleach test on your second set of polyethylene trimethylene terephthalate (PTT) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer carpets. According to Beaulieu of America, PTT polymer carpets are highly resistant to chlorine bleaching. Based on this information, your more highly stained sample may be confirmed as PET polymer carpet.

    • 4

      Go on a shopping trip to compare the costs of polyethylene trimethylene terephthalate (PTT) polymer carpets and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer carpets. PET polymer carpets will be cheaper as they are less costly to produce than PTT polymer carpets.