In recent years, there is a growing interest in poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste, PET, recycling for environmental and economic reasons. In this study cinchona alkaloids were used as organic catalysts in the depolymerization of PET waste by aminolysis using ethylendiamine (EDA). The aminolysis reactions were carried out at 119 oC under atmospheric pressure using cinchonidine (CD), hydroquinidine 4-chlorobenzoate (HCD), and quinine (Qn). The process of aminolysis produced yields of BAETA monomer as high as 95%. The depolymerization products were characterized by NMR, and DSC analysis. In this depolymerization process, we have used inexpensive and environment friendly catalysts that may replace the conventional process for chemical recycling.

Chemical recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste using ethylendiamine

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.