Executive Summary
Each year, billions of lbs of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) are discarded as waste. While some of the material is separated, recycled and incorporated into new materials, the degradation of the polymers back to their original monomers (a.k.a. chemical recycling) remains prohibitive due to the cost. MSU researchers have recently developed a new technology for chemical recycling PET and PETG that is fast and provides and economical route to monomer recovery.
Description of Technology
This invention is a novel process that involves melt processing of PET and/or PETG in the presence of a catalyst. The polymer melt is then charged to hot solvent where it is degraded back to monomers and oligomers in short time. By selectively choosing the catalyst and solvent, crystalline domains in the polymer are prevented from forming and the process for degradation is rapid.
Benefits
Applications
Patent Status
Patent pending. Published PCT Application
Licensing Rights
Full licensing rights available
References
Resources, Conservation and Recycling Article
Inventors
Dr. Muhammad Rabnawaz, Dr. Ajmir Khan, Zahra Aayanifard, Muhammad Naveed
TECH ID
TEC2021-0049, TEC2022-0055