Optimization of recycling technology of PET bottles scrap

Abstract

The present paper concerns specifically with development of the effective recycling technology of post consumer PET bottles scrap- Chemical de-polymerization of PET scrap was carried out by glycolysis in the presence of a catalysts at elevated temperature. The effect of process parameters and type of catalyst on degree of conversion and structure of de-polymerized products were studied. It was found that the glycolysis catalyzed by zinc acetate yielded in 39% of PET dimers and monomers comprised bis(hydroxyethyl)terephthalate (BHET ) according to the data obtained from Fourier Transform IR Spectroscopy . The potential use of BHE T and PET Dimer as the raw materials in synthesis of alkyd resin with So MI oil was shown. Properties of alkyd resins, modified with PET de-polymerized products, were tested and studied. All of them were within the acceptable range and some of them were superior to those of alkyd based resins produced by traditional methodology