Sorona is DuPont de Nemours, Inc.'s brand of Triexta, a subclass of polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT)[1] named and commercialized in 2000.[2] The fibers are soft and stain-resistant while exhibiting high strength and stiffness.[3]

Sorona is a co-polymer of 1,3-propanediol (obtained by fermentation) and petroleum-derived terephthalic acid (TPA) or dimethyl terephthalate (DMT).[3] Related polymers in this series include polyethylene terephthalate (2GT) and polybutylene terephthalate (polytetramethylene terephthalate) (4GT).[4]

Sorona can theoretically be produced from about 37% renewable resources as [3] DuPont won a 2003 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for their development of the fermentation process for the production of 1,3-propanediol from corn-derived glucose in recombinant Escherichia coli K-12.[5]

The polymer Sorona has been mentioned by J. Craig Venter in interviews as an example of an application of industrial biotechnology. He was quoted as saying, "DuPont argues that Sorona is going to be the first billion-dollar biotech product other than a pharmaceutical".[6]

Uses and Applications

Sorona has been used in the manufacture of clothing, residential carpets, automotive fabrics, and plastic parts.[7] Mohawk Industries is currently the exclusive North American carpet manufacturer making carpets using DuPont Sorona fiber.[8]

References

  1. ^ Simmons, Cheryl (8 August 2019). "Triexta PTT Carpet Fiber". The Spruce.
  2. ^ http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-27700019_ITM DuPont Sorona Selected As Brand Name For 3GT Polymer[dead link]
  3. ^ a b c "Renewably Sourced Automotive Materials". Dupont Transportation & Industrial. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  4. ^ Ward, I. M.; Wilding, M. A.; Brody, H. (1976). "The mechanical properties and structure of poly(m-methylene terephthalate) fibers". Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Physics Edition. 14 (2): 263–274. doi:10.1002/pol.1976.180140206.
  5. ^ Manahan, S.E. Environmental Chemistry, CRC Press, 2005, p. 503.
  6. ^ Decoding the DNA decoder - Cosmic Log - msnbc.com
  7. ^ "Biopolymer for Carpet, Apparel and Automotive - DuPont Sorona - DuPont USA". dupont.com.
  8. ^ "DuPont. The miracles of Science". dupont.com.


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