Comparsion of Catalyst Effectiveness in Different Chemical Depolymerization Methods of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the chemical recycling methods of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) described in the scientific literature in recent years. The review focused on methods of chemical recycling of PET including hydrolysis and broadly understood alcoholysis of polymer ester bonds including methanolysis, ethanolysis, glycolysis and reactions with higher alcohols. The depolymerization methods used in the literature are described, with particular emphasis on the use of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts and ionic liquids, as well as auxiliary substances such as solvents and cosolvents. Important process parameters such as temperature, reaction time, and pressure are compared. Detailed experimental results are presented focusing on reaction yields to allow for easy comparison of applied catalysts and for determination of the most favorable reaction conditions and methods.

Chemical Recycling of Plastic Waste from Different Polymers: New Trends

“…The reaction of liquid products began at 350°C for zinc metal and zincoxide catalysts, however, it was 0% for ZnCl2 catalysts. At this temperature, the yield of gaseous products outperformed that of Zn metal and ZnO catalysts [26]. The oil output was significantly impacted by the addition of activated carbon to PS.…”

“…However, at 350°C, the production of net liquid products began, particularly with zinc (Zn) metal and zinc oxide (ZnO) catalysts, although the yield was zero weight percent (wt%) with ZnCl2 catalysts. At this temperature, gaseous products surpassed ZnO and Zn metal catalysts [26].…”

Preparation and Characterization of Calcium Carbonate Masterbatch–Alkali Soluble Polyester/Polyester Porous Fiber via Melt Spinning

“…This interaction reduces the electron cloud density on the carbonyl carbon, intensifying the electrostatic force between the carbonyl carbon and -OH. Consequently, the susceptibility of the carbonyl carbon to hydrolysis reactions is enhanced, resulting in the formation of holes on the fiber’s surface [ 25 , 26 ], as shown in Figure 6 . Furthermore, the increased exposure of CaCO 3 particles facilitates subsequent acid treatment.…”