Synthesis of unsaturated polyester resin from Postconsumer PET bottles: Effect of type of glycol on characteristics of unsaturated polyester resin

摘要: Postconsumer PET bottles including water and soft-drink were depolymerized by glycolysis in excess glycols, such as ethylene glycol, propylene diethylene the presence of a zinc acetate catalyst. The obtained glycolyzed products reacted with maleic anhydride mixed styrene monomer to prepare unsaturated polyester (UPE) resins. These resins cured using methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO) an initiator cobalt octoate accelerator. physical mechanical properties samples investigated. It was found that type glycol used had significant effect on characteristics uncured UPE Uncured EG-based resin soft solid at room temperature, whereas PG- DEG-based viscous liquids. In case resins, product exhibited hard brittle plastic, while PG-based did not. plastic after strain-induced crystallization occurred. addition, it also no separation needed before glycolysis, since prepared from bottles, mixture both showed same characteristics. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 788–792,