Depolymerisation of PET waste
A new study deals with glycolytic depolymerisation of PET waste using MP-diol and utilisation of recycled product for UV-curable wood coating.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste recycling has become a worldwide research interest for industries and academic institutes due its inevitable environmental impact. The main objective of current research work is to target efficient recycling of PET waste from mineral water bottles by the glycolysis method and subsequent use of the recycled product for value-added coating application.
Optimisation for microwave-assisted technique
In a new study, scientists report on MP-diol (2-methyl-1,3-propanediol) which is not explored much for the chemical recycling of PET, having a branched aliphatic diol with two primary hydroxyls, for glycolysis reaction. The reaction parameters were optimised for microwave-assisted technique by varying the ratio of raw materials, reaction time, temperature, and power. The reaction parameters were optimised, and the recycled oligomeric product (OPETMPD) was separated, purified, and characterised by chemical and spectroscopic methods.
Evaluation of performance properties
Subsequently, dimethacrylated oligoesters of PET oligomer (UV oligomer) were synthesised by methacrylation of the glycolyzed PET product (OPETMPD). The synthesised UV oligomer was evaluated using chemical and spectroscopic methods. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation-curable formulations were prepared using synthesised UV oligomer and applied on wooden panels. The coatings were cured using UV-curing machine and evaluated for their performance properties. The partial replacement of UV oligomer in UV formulations exhibited comparative coating performance properties with respect to conventional UV formulation.
The study is published in: Journal of Coatings Technology and Research March 2018, Volume 15, Issue 2, pp 259–270.
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