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Iowa State University researchers have discovered a method of breaking down polyesters capable of over 90% monomer recovery at atmospheric pressure and only mildly elevated temperatures.

 

Conventional recycling of polyesters is commonly done via thermomechanical means which limit the useful number of times they can be recycled. Chemical recycling is more desirable as it can recover the polymer components for further re-polymerization and subsequent reuse, but it is limited by the elevated temperatures and pressures required, and is thus not economically feasible. 

Iowa State University researchers have developed a new method for breaking down polyesters utilizing an alkaline solvent solution that is majority comprised of water. By exposing polyesters to this solution at the mildly elevated temperatures of 60-70°C, over 90% of monomer can be recovered within 15 minutes of reaction time. Further, one product forms an insoluble salt that is easily filtered while the other remains in solution for separation via distillation.

• Atmospheric pressure and mildly elevated temperature

• Rapid monomer recovery time

• Easy product recovery via filtering and distillation

Chemical recycling of polyesters