Polyethylene Terephthalate Chemical Recycling in the Melted State

Abstract

In this work the results of research on polyethylene terephthalate depolymerization by the chemical recycling method in the fused state with use of alkalis are submitted. The potential of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol reception from polymer with addition of alkalis in the melt is shown. It is established that calcium hydroxide is the optimal reagent for performing the depolymerization reaction. This method of chemical recycling does not have the demands of high temperature and pressure, it is realized in a short time and it results in products with the high cleanliness.

Keywords:

• Polyethylene terepthalate
• Recycling
• Terepthalic acid