A new method for the synthesis of polyesters that combines the chemical recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) with the use of monomers derived from renewable resources, such as isosorbide and succinic acid, has been developed. A kinetic study has been performed in order to determine the best catalyst for PET depolymerisation with isosorbide and for the subsequent polycondensation of PET oligomers with succinic acid. Using the correct amounts of isosorbide and succinic acid it is possible to obtain polymers which well fit the properties (glass transition temperature and end-group composition) necessary for powder coating applications. The coating produced using this new environmentally friendly approach presents applicative properties similar, and in some cases superior, to those of a commercial coating obtained from non-renewable resources.
Powder coatings have been prepared using a sustainable polyester synthesized by combining the chemical recycling of polymers, recovered from postconsumer waste streams, with the use of bio-based monomers. The coatings obtained using this environmentally friendly approach have been compared with those based on a traditional polyester synthesized using nonrenewable resources. The results demonstrate that the new eco-friendly resin presents application performances that in some cases are superior compared to those of the commercial, petro-derived coating. This behavior, combined with the sustainable character of the new technology, gives important advantages in comparison to the conventional resins and opens new possibilities in market segments where the current powder coating has limited applications.
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