Optimization of reaction parameters in the conversion of PET to produce BHET

FRANCISCO J. PASSAMONTI; JOSÉ DANIEL DEL RÍO CUEVAS; CAPELETTI, MARÍA ROSA

Kitakyushu Fukuoka

Congreso; 5th Global Conference on Polymer and Composite Materials (PCM 2018); 2018

Polymer and Composite Materials

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 agent aiming to extend the analysis to a subsequent continuous recycling and at a greater scale. The results indicate that a very small catalyst/PET mass ratio and a low glycol/PET ratio are necessary, the reactions being carried out at a temperature of 195ºC and a reaction time of 1 hour. Under these conditions, BHET yield is 30% (starting from pure PET) and up to 88.2% (recycling oligomers plus pure PET).