RECYCLE OF POLYETHYLENE TETRAPHTHALATE WASTE
P. Oghome
Department of Chemical Engineering
Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State
Email:ify_pros@yahoo.com.
ABSTRACT
The recycling of polyethylene tetraphthalate (PET) was carried out to determine its feasibility and economic viability. The recyclate was characterized to determine its intrinsic viscosity (I. V.), melting point and viscosity average molecular weight in order to ascertain the extent of polymer degradation due to weathering and heat homogenization. It was found that weathering induced degradation resulted in an I.V drop of 0.035dl/g while homogenization was responsible for a further I. V. drop of 0.05dl/g and a consequent viscosity average molecular weight (Mv) drop of 3000g/gmol. A final I. V drop of 0.68dl/g was observed which was converted to an Mv of 29407g/gmol. This result was close enough to that of virgin resins and can be reused, when mixed with virgin resins for blow molding. It can also be used for the production of film and fiber.The objective of this work is to reduce the amount of non-biodegradable substance in our environment, to determine the effect of degradation on post consumer PET and providing an alternative source of raw material at reduced cost for PET consuming industries.
Keywords: Recycling, Homogenization, Weathering, Intrinsic Viscosity, Non-biodegradable, Reclamation.