Studies on synthesis and characterization of a novel acrylic aromatic amide oligomer of aminolysed endproducts generated from pet waste with hydrazine monohydrate and its photocuring with acrylate monomers

Controlled Glycolysis of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) to Oligomers under Microwave Irradiation Using Antimony(III) Oxide

We report here the production of higher-order oligomers from the glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) by using microwave irradiation in a controlled fashion, instead of its fully glycolyzed product, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate (BHET). We show that different catalysts can generate either BHET as the ultimate glycolysis product or higher oligomers of PET under microwave irradiation. Depolymerization of waste PET with an average degree of polymerization (DP) of 417 from water bottles was performed in the presence of 0.25 wt % antimony(III) oxide (Sb2O3) as the catalyst at 240 °C and 400 W microwave power, resulting in an oligomer yield of 96.7% with an average DP of 37. Under these conditions, the conversion of PET to oligomers reached 100% in only 5 min at 240 °C (with a 10 min ramping time) and with a ethylene glycol to PET weight ratio of 2.5. In comparison, under the same reaction conditions, 0.04 wt % of zinc acetate (Zn(OAc)2), a well-known catalyst for PET glycolysis, produces only the BHET monomer in 96.3% yield. Our results demonstrated that by using Sb2O3, the same catalyst that is used extensively for PET synthesis from BHET, under microwave irradiation, the PET glycolysis can be controlled to produce higher PET oligomers as an alternative for a complete chemical depolymerization to the BHET monomer. These oligomers are more suitable for being used as additives for many applications and to produce high-quality second-generation products, including regenerated PET.

The Chemical Recycling of Polyesters for a Circular Plastics Economy: Challenges and Emerging Opportunities

Whilst plastics have played an instrumental role in human development, growing environmental concerns have led to increasing public scrutiny and demands for outright bans. This has stimulated considerable research into renewable alternatives, and more recently, the development of alternative waste management strategies. Herein, the aim was to highlight recent developments in the catalytic chemical recycling of two commercial polyesters, namely poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The concept of chemical recycling is first introduced, and associated opportunities/challenges are discussed within the context of the governing depolymerisation thermodynamics. Chemical recycling methods for PLA and PET are then discussed, with a particular focus on upcycling and the use of metal-based catalysts. Finally, the attention shifts to the emergence of new materials with the potential to modernise the plastics economy. Emerging opportunities and challenges are discussed within the context of industrial feasibility.

Structure-based rational design, synthesis, crystal structure, DFT and molecular docking of 1,4-benzene dicarboxamide isomers with application as hardeners

Molecular structures of two isomers have been investigated by SXRD analysis and DFT calculations and the isomers are assessed for their antimicrobial properties and as curing agents for epoxy resins.