Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.69, No.6, 1115-1118, 1998
Microwave irradiation as an energy source in poly(ethylene terephthalate) solvolysis
Solvolysis by glycols and alcohols is an established method for the chemical recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). In our work, we investigated the use of microwave radiation as the energy source in PET solvolysis reactions, and the conditions that govern its effectiveness. The main advantage of microwave use are short reaction times, between 4 and 10 min, in which complete PET degradation is achieved. Solvolysis reagents used were methanol, propylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol 400.