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Scientific Article details

Title The Contribution of Commercial Metal Amides to the Chemical Recycling of Waste Polyesters
ID_Doc 20374
Authors Santulli, F; Lamberti, M; Annunziata, A; Lastra, RC; Mazzeo, M
Title The Contribution of Commercial Metal Amides to the Chemical Recycling of Waste Polyesters
Year 2022
Published Catalysts, 12, 10
DOI 10.3390/catal12101193
Abstract Simple and commercially available metal amides are investigated as catalysts for the chemical depolymerization of polyesters of commercial interest such as polylactide (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) via alcoholysis. In the alcoholysis reactions performed with methanol or ethanol at room temperature, Zn, Mg, and Y amides showed the highest activities, while the amides of group 4 metals were revealed as poor catalysts. During the ethanolysis of PLA at higher temperatures and the glycolysis of PET, the good activity of the Zn amide was preserved, while for Mg and Y amides, a significant decrease was observed. The reaction temperature had an opposite effect on the performance of group 4 amides, with the Zr amide revealed to be the best catalyst in the PET glycolysis, reaching activities comparable to the best ones reported in the literature for metal catalysts (78% BHET yield within one hour at 180 degrees C). These studies represent new opportunities for the sustainable recycling of plastics, which are currently being used on a large scale, and provide significant contributions to the design of a circular economy model in the plastic industry.
Author Keywords PET degradation; circular economy; plastic recycling; polyesters; PLA
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000872705200001
WoS Category Chemistry, Physical
Research Area Chemistry
PDF https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/12/10/1193/pdf?version=1666744685
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