How can you identify PET from FTIR?
This page summarizes the recurring FTIR evidence reported for PET, including the most frequent peaks, supporting functional groups, and literature-backed interpretation patterns. It is a structured evidence page, not a claim of automatic single-spectrum certainty.
Backed by 22 cited sources
Quick answer
PET is usually reported with a recurring pattern of peaks and functional-group evidence. The most useful approach is to cross-check at least two characteristic peaks before treating it as a match, then verify whether the full spectrum still fits the same material family.
Peak interpretation
Possible materials / groups
| Funktionell grupp | Bevis |
|---|---|
| Methacrylate | 24 |
| Acetate | 24 |
| Alkyl C-H | 22 |
| Methoxy (OCH3) | 21 |
| C-O single bond | 18 |
| Amide | 13 |
| Carbonyl (C=O) | 13 |
| N h | 12 |
Spectrum logic
The logic here is evidence aggregation: repeated literature mentions of PET, repeated peak positions, and repeated functional-group associations. A strong material hypothesis should still be supported by multiple peaks that agree with each other, not by one headline band alone.
Real-world usage
This page is designed for polymer identification, incoming-material QC, unknown plastic analysis, recycled-content review, and literature-backed interpretation of reference spectra.
Common mistakes
- Calling a material match too early because one famous peak is present.
- Ignoring sample prep, fillers, oxidation, water, or additives that can change the apparent pattern.
- Using literature evidence without checking whether your own sampling mode and spectrum quality are comparable.
Verification advice
Use DSC, GC-MS, or TGA to validate the material hypothesis when the peak pattern is ambiguous or mixed.
Literature behind this page
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PET
Aziz 等 - 2018 - The effect of Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PALF) incorpor DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/105/1/012082 -
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PET
Drobota 等 - 2020 - Preparation and Characterization of Electrospun Co DOI: 10.3390/ma13183961 -
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PET
Guimaraes Silva 等 - 2018 - PET glycolysis optimization using ionic liquid [Bm DOI: 10.1590/0104-1428.00418 -
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PET
Murphy 等 - 2022 - Assessment of microplastics in Irish river sedimen DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09853 -
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PET
Seok 等 - 2013 - Surface Characterization of Poly(vinylidene fluori DOI: 10.7317/pk.2013.37.2.177 -
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PET
Svorcik 等 - 2011 - Soft and rigid dithiols and Au nanoparticles gra DOI: 10.1186/1556-276X-6-607 -
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PET
Microplastic concentrations, size distribution, and polymer types in the surface waters of a northern European lake DOI: 10.1002/wer.1229 -
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PET
Zhang 等 - 2022 - Mechanical, Thermal Stability, and Flame Retarding DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04628 -
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PET
Cohn 和 Stern - 2000 - Sequential surface derivatization of PET films DOI: 10.1021/ma9900784 -
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PET
Antimicrobial polyethylene terephthalate (PET) treated with an aromatic N-halamine precursor, m-aramid DOI: 10.1002/app.31016
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