Processors and producers in need of a tool to calculate the intrinsic viscosity (IV) of PET resin blends now can download a new app developed by Plastic Technologies (PTI, Holland, Ohio / USA; www.plastictechnologies.com). Explaining the rationale behind the app, Scott Steele, vice president international operations at PTI, said, “Virgin and recycled PET have different Ivs. As the use of rPET for packaging containers continues to grow, the need for a quick way to calculate the blend’s IV is also increasing.”

The “PET Blend Calculator” determines the IV of PET in a two-step process, first asking users to provide volume percentage and IV for each of the two resins. Once this data is submitted, the app will calculate the new IV and molecular weight of each of the resins and then display the final blend. In the second step, users are asked to input moisture information via what PTI calls its “PET Hydrolytic Degradation Nomograph”. This then allows the app to determine the blended material’s final IV.

Commenting on the app, Steele said, “We wanted to create a tool that was free, portable and easy-to use. PTI’s PET Blend Calculator computes the final IV in a couple of seconds.” “PET Blend Calculator” can be downloaded from iTunes and is available for iPhone and iPads as well as Android platforms.