Abstract

PALMAY PAREDES, Paúl Gustavo; ALVARADO GUILCAPI, Michele Cristina  and  SANCHEZ ROJAS, Mishell Carolina. Influence of the catalyst type on post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) glycolysis reaction performance. Perfiles [online]. 2022, vol.1, n.28, pp.6-13. ISSN 2477-9105.  https://doi.org/10.47187/perf.v1i28.172.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic from the non-biodegradable polyester family. One of the best methods for recovering polymer waste is chemical recycling. The objective of this study was the chemical recycling of PET through catalyzed glycolysis to obtain Bis-2-hydroxyethyl-terephthalate (BHET), evaluating the catalytic action of substances such as Zinc Acetate, Sodium Carbonate and Zinc Oxide, under conditions of atmospheric pressure, temperature of 180-190°, time of two hours and PET/EG ratio of 1:3. The reaction was carried out in a glass reactor adapted with a two-neck balloon, obtaining a fine white powder with yields of 85.16, 82.06 and 80.69% for each substance, respectively. The products were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, demonstrating the existence of functional groups characteristic of BHET, in addition, it was identified that the reaction with zinc acetate presented the best performance, with a value of 85.16%, since the substance has the most active metal. Through the glycolysis of PET, BHET will be obtained, which is used in the manufacture of products such as polyurethane foams, polymeric concrete, polyester resins, providing an improved recycling alternative to said material.

Keywords : Depolymerization; chemical recycling; plastic; ethylene glycol; catalysis; bis-2-hydroxyethyl terephthalate.

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