Terephthalic acid and its derivates dimethyl-terephthalate are the petrochemicals which are a very important raw material in the production of polyesters. Terephthalic acid is produced in two forms a) The  technical grade b) Polymer Grade. The technical grade terephthalic acid is unsuitable for use in polymer industry. Technical grade polymer is mostly used in the manufacturing process of polymer grade terephthalic acid and in the production of dimethyl-terephthalate. Dimethyl-terephthalate though used widely for the production of various polymers, use of polymer grade terephthalic acid offers a lot of advantage. In addition terephthalic acid gives a higher yield per kilogram of starting material and less ethylene glycol is needed during polyesterification. This increases the final polymer quality.

Introduction

Properties&uses

Methods of Production

Material Balance

Energy Balance

Design of Equipments

Pollution control&Safety

Cost Estimation&Economics

Plant Location&Layout

Bibliography