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Optimization of reaction parameters in the conversion of PET to produce BHET
Author(s) -
Capeletti María Rosa,
Passamonti Francisco Javier
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.24720
Subject(s) - ethylene glycol , catalysis , yield (engineering) , ethylene , materials science , polymer chemistry , organic chemistry , chemistry , composite material
The conversion of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was analyzed in order to define the optimal conditions for the Bis(2‐Hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) yield as regards catalyst use (zinc acetate), glycol (ethylene glycol), reaction time and temperature. These conditions were optimized so as to decrease the consumption of catalyst and glycolytic agents aiming to extend the analysis to achieve continuous recycling at a greater scale. At the same time, an analysis of the activity of different catalysts (zeolites, acid, and basic resins) was performed; no BHET yields of commercial interest were obtained. The results indicate that a very small catalyst/PET mass ratio and a low glycol/PET ratio are necessary. The reactions were carried out at a temperature of 195°C and a reaction time of 1 h: under these conditions, BHET yield is 30% (starting from pure PET) and up to 88.2% (recycling oligomers plus pure PET). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1500–1507, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers