Synthesis of unsaturated polyester resin from glycolysed postconsumer PET wastes

The purpose of this study was to explore ways to extend the chemical recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) as a valuable feedstock for chemical processes. First, PET wastes were depolymerised using a glycolysis method in the presence of sodium carbonate, which is considered to be a less en...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of material cycles and waste management 2013-09, Vol.15 (3), p.256-263
Main Authors: Duque-Ingunza, I., López-Fonseca, R., de Rivas, B., Gutiérrez-Ortiz, J. I.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Calorimetry
Catalysts
Chemical recycling
Chemical synthesis
Chromatography
Civil Engineering
Cobalt
Curing
Engineering
Environmental Management
Fourier transforms
Infrared spectroscopy
Molecular weight
Monomers
NMR
Nuclear magnetic resonance
Physical properties
Polyester resins
Polyesters
Polyethylene terephthalate
Polyethylene terephthalates
Polymers
Raw materials
Recycling
Recycling programs
Resins
Sodium
Special Feature: Original Article
Spectrum analysis
Studies
Styrene
Unsaturated
Waste Management/Waste Technology
Wastes
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to explore ways to extend the chemical recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) as a valuable feedstock for chemical processes. First, PET wastes were depolymerised using a glycolysis method in the presence of sodium carbonate, which is considered to be a less environmentally damaging option for a catalyst. Good yields of the monomer bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) were obtained (80 %). Second, to develop an economically viable recycling programme for the reclaimed BHET, the conversion of purified BHET into unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) was studied. The recovered monomer was thus polyesterified with maleic anhydride and subsequently mixed with styrene monomer to prepare UPRs. The resins were casted by a crosslinking reaction using methyl ethyl ketone peroxide and cobalt 2-ethylhexanoate as the initiator and catalyst, respectively. The polyesterification reaction was followed by gel permeation chromatography. The curing process was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy. The cured resin was subjected to various characterisation methods in order to determine its chemical, physical and mechanical properties. Resins with suitable properties for commercial application were obtained.
ISSN:1438-4957
1611-8227
DOI:10.1007/s10163-013-0117-x