SCIENTISTS at catalyst company Synetix, a member of the ICI Group, have announced a discovery which may prevent the world running out of polyester.
Used in everything from sleeping bags to tyres, the material is very versatile, but it has become a victim of its own success with demand expected to outstrip supply by 2008.
The new catalyst technology developed by Synetix could increase polyester manufacturer's productivity by 15 per cent.
The new titanium-based catalyst reacts more quickly and powerfully than the antimony catalysts used at present. It can increase a product's clarity or give it a sharper colour.
With 90 per cent less metal content than conventional catalysts, the new catalyst produces a cleaner polyester with a lower impact on the environment
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