Hangzhou Neo Lianda Supply Chain Co., LTD.
Hangzhou Neo Lianda Supply Chain Co., LTD.

What Is Pure Terephthalic Acid Used For?

May 30 , 2025

What Is Pure Terephthalic Acid (PTA)?

Pure Terephthalic Acid (PTA) is a white, crystalline organic compound with the chemical formula C₆H₄(CO₂H)₂. It is an essential raw material in the production of polyesters, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PTA is produced by the catalytic oxidation of paraxylene and is widely used in the textile and plastic industries.

At Neo Lianda, PTA is a cornerstone product designed to meet the high-quality standards demanded by global manufacturers. Its high purity ensures consistent performance across multiple downstream applications.

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Key Applications of Pure Terephthalic Acid

PTA is primarily consumed in the production of polyester resins and fibers, but its utility extends far beyond that. From clothing and packaging to industrial textiles and paints, PTA’s versatility supports several critical sectors:

  • Polyester fiber and filament manufacturing

  • PET plastic for bottles and containers

  • Industrial yarns and tire cords

  • Thermoplastic engineering resins

  • Unsaturated polyester resins (UPR)

  • Powder and coil coatings

The purity and stability of PTA make it a foundational material in modern industrial chemistry.

PTA in the Polyester Industry

The largest end-use of PTA—over 90% of its consumption globally—is in the production of polyester. In this process, PTA is esterified with monoethylene glycol (MEG) to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

At Neo Lianda, our PTA products are used by manufacturers of:

  • Polyester staple fibers for textiles

  • Filament yarns for apparel and home furnishings

  • Non-woven fabrics used in hygiene and medical products

Thanks to PTA’s excellent reactivity and uniformity, it ensures that the resulting polyester fibers have high strength, dyeability, and stability. This makes it ideal for both consumer and industrial textiles.

Use of PTA in Packaging and Bottling

PET, derived from PTA, is the dominant material used in beverage bottles, food containers, and packaging films. PTA plays a crucial role in making PET bottles that are:

  • Transparent and glossy

  • Lightweight yet strong

  • Resistant to moisture and gas permeability

  • Easily recyclable

The global demand for PET packaging has seen exponential growth due to the increase in consumption of bottled water, carbonated soft drinks, and ready-to-eat foods. Neo Lianda’s PTA supports PET resin producers in maintaining food safety standards and product quality.

PTA in Industrial Fibers and Textiles

In industrial applications, polyester derived from PTA is used to manufacture high-performance fibers and technical fabrics. These are applied in:

  • Tire cords

  • Conveyor belts

  • Safety belts

  • Geotextiles

  • Industrial hoses

PTA’s high thermal and chemical resistance enables the resulting polyester to withstand demanding mechanical environments. The high viscosity polyester chips made from PTA, like those offered by Neo Lianda, are optimized for strength and performance in such use cases.

Role of PTA in Coatings and Paints

PTA is also used in the production of saturated polyester resins for coatings and paints. These polyesters are applied in:

  • Automotive coatings

  • Appliance finishes

  • Metal furniture paints

  • Coil and can coatings

The resulting polyester-based coatings offer excellent hardness, gloss, weather resistance, and adhesion. In particular, coil coatings benefit from the chemical stability that PTA imparts to the resin system. Neo Lianda supplies high-purity PTA to resin manufacturers who prioritize product performance and appearance.

Emerging Applications of Pure Terephthalic Acid

With evolving materials science, PTA is finding new applications in eco-friendly and high-performance materials:

  • Biodegradable polyesters: Some bio-based polyesters, such as polyethylene furanoate (PEF), are being explored as sustainable alternatives to PET and rely on PTA-like derivatives.

  • 3D printing materials: PETG and other modified polyesters derived from PTA are gaining traction in additive manufacturing.

  • Liquid crystal polymers (LCPs): High-temperature engineering plastics based on aromatic acids like PTA are used in electronics and automotive parts.

Neo Lianda is actively investing in R&D to support clients exploring these next-generation applications.

Why Choose High-Purity PTA from Neo Lianda?

At Neo Lianda, we ensure that every batch of PTA meets international quality benchmarks. Our PTA offers:

SpecificationNeo Lianda PTA
Purity≥ 99.85%
Moisture Content≤ 0.2%
Color (APHA)≤ 10
Iron (Fe) Content≤ 0.3 ppm
p-Toluic Acid Content≤ 25 ppm
4-Carboxybenzaldehyde (4-CBA)≤ 25 ppm

These specifications result in improved downstream polymerization, reduced color formation, and enhanced clarity in the final polyester product.

Our PTA is suitable for:

  • High-speed spinning processes

  • Transparent PET bottles

  • Ultra-white polyester film

  • UV-resistant industrial textiles

Conclusion: The Industrial Value of PTA

Pure Terephthalic Acid is more than just a chemical intermediate—it's a pillar of modern industry. From the textiles you wear to the bottles you drink from and the coatings that protect your devices, PTA plays a vital role. As industries innovate and expand, the demand for high-quality PTA will only continue to grow.

At Neo Lianda, we are proud to supply high-purity, consistent PTA that empowers global manufacturers to innovate with confidence. Whether you're producing high-strength industrial fabrics or crystal-clear packaging, our PTA is engineered to exceed expectations.