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Synthesis of unsaturated polyester resin from glycolysed postconsumer PET wastes

  • SPECIAL FEATURE: ORIGINAL ARTICLE
  • Chemical Feedstock Recycling 9
  • Published:
Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgments

The financial support for this work, provided by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (CTQ2008-06868-C02) and Gobierno Vasco (SPE12UN023), is gratefully acknowledged. The supply of post-consumer waste samples of PET by ECOEMBES is also acknowledged. The authors wish to thank Dr. J.M. Laza and Dr. J.L. Vilas for their kind contribution to the process of DMTA characterisation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Chemical Technologies for Environmental Sustainability Group, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, PO Box 644, 48080, Bilbao, Spain

    I. Duque-Ingunza, R. López-Fonseca, B. de Rivas & J. I. Gutiérrez-Ortiz

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  1. I. Duque-Ingunza
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  2. R. López-Fonseca
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  3. B. de Rivas
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  4. J. I. Gutiérrez-Ortiz
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Correspondence to J. I. Gutiérrez-Ortiz.

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Duque-Ingunza, I., López-Fonseca, R., de Rivas, B. et al. Synthesis of unsaturated polyester resin from glycolysed postconsumer PET wastes. J Mater Cycles Waste Manag 15, 256–263 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-013-0117-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-013-0117-x

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