Theoretical insights into chemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

• Published in: Polymer degradation and stability Vol. 223; p. 110729
• Main Authors: Conroy, Stuart, Zhang, Xiaolei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2024
• Subjects: alcoholysis; aminolysis; catalysts; Chemical reaction mechanisms; circular economy; degradation; Glycolysis; hydrolysis; microwave treatment; Plastic circular economy; Plastic recycling; Polyethylene terephthalate; polyethylene terephthalates; Reaction kinetics; reaction mechanisms; surface area; synergism; wastes; Polyethylene terephthalate; Plastic recycling; Glycolysis; Plastic circular economy; Reaction kinetics; Chemical reaction mechanisms

•Mechanistic and kinetic studies of PET chemical recycling methods are discussed.•Various approaches towards a PET circular economy are discussed and compared.•Catalytic glycolysis with the synergistic mechanism is the most promising approach.•Novel techniques, e.g. microwave heating, heterogeneous...