Method to reduce the aldehyde content of polymers

Abstract

Methods to decrease aldehyde content of a polymer are provided. An effective amount of an additive that contains a P—H functionality is incorporated into the polymer in the presence of an acidic of basic catalyst compositions are also provided.

1 . A method for preparing a polyester container, comprising: 
 admixing with a molten polyethylene terephthalate an amount of a metal phosphite effective to reduce the aldehyde content of the container; and    molding the mixture of polyethylene terephthalate and metal phosphite to form the container.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the metal phosphite comprises a metal phosphite-phosphonate.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the concentration of metal phosphite ranges from about 10 to about 2,000 ppm.  
   
   
       4 . A composition, comprising: 
 a polyester; and    an aldehyde reducing effective amount of a metal phosphite.    
   
   
       5 . A polyester container, comprising an aldehyde reducing effective amount of a metal phosphite.  
   
   
       6 . A method for reducing the aldehyde content of a polymer, comprising incorporating into the polymer an aldehyde reducing effective amount of an additive that possesses pH functionality in the presence of acidic or basic groups.