Mechanical characterization and chemical resistances of cured unsaturated polyester resins modified with vinyl ester resins based on recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abstract

Unsaturated polyester resin (UP) was prepared from glycolyzed oligomer of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste based on diethylene glycol (DEG). New diacrylate and dimethacrylate vinyl ester resins prepared from glycolysis of PET with tetraethylene glycol were blended with UP to study the mechanical characteristics of the cured UP. The vinyl ester resins were used as crosslinking agents for unsaturated polyester resin diluted with styrene, using free-radical initiator and accelerator. The mechanical properties of the cured UP resins were evaluated. The compressive properties of the cured UP/ styrene resins in the presence of different vinyl ester concentrations were evaluated. Increasing the vinyl ester content led to a pronounced improvement in the compression strength. The chemical resistances of the cured resins were evaluated through hot water, solvents, acid, and alkali resistance measurements.

Synthesis of new cationic surfactants based on recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) for deinking of solvent‐based ink from low‐density polyethylene surface

“…As PET bottles do not readily decompose in the nature, the disposal of a large amount of PET bottles has caused serious environmental and space problems. Because of the reprocess difficulty of PET and the stringent regulation of Food and Drug Administration that does not recommend recycled materials for direct contact with food products,3 PET waste can be chemically recycled through chemical reactions into new useful resins such as epoxy, polyurethane, vinyl ester and unsaturated polyester resins 4–8…”

“…The most common polymers used for plastic film production include low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene. The increased environmental pressure to minimize solid waste and the reduced need for raw materials gives incentives for recycling rather than landfilling 9. It has been reported that the recycled plastics often bear poor physical and mechanical properties when compared with virgin one 10, 11.…”

Porous polyurethane foams based on recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) for oil sorption

“…The hydroxyl value of the oligomers was determined by a conventional acetic anhydride + pyridine method …”

“…A successful recycling program not only depends on post‐consumer waste collection, but also on whether the products made out of collected, reclaimed and recycled material respond to consumer needs—in other words if recycled products are actually bought. Recently, a growing interest has been observed in the use of PET wastes for the production of specialized products such as unsaturated polyesters, epoxies, polyurethane foams and polymer concrete , , …”

Unsaturated polyester resin via chemical recycling of off‐grade poly(ethylene terephthalate)

“…Therefore, chemical recycling processes for PET were implemented alongside the production of the polymer on a commercial scale 2. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of PET waste for the production of special products such as saturated and unsaturated polyester resins,3–14 polyurethanes,8, 15, 16 coating materials9, 10, 17–21 and additives 22–26…”