Production of polyurethane using glycolyzed products from depolymerization of recycled polythylene terephthalate

Abstract

To investigate recycling of post-consumer PET bottles into a chain extender for producing polyurethane, such that high benefit may be obtained. PET bottles was depolymerized in excess ethylene glycol. The glycolyzed product contained BHET, dimers and oligomers. Their terminated-hydroxyl groups would react with MDI to form the urethane linkage. Composition of glycolyzed products was dependent on depolymerization time and quantity of ethylene glycol used. It was found that better strength and flexibility of polyurethane were obtained when ethylene glycol was replaced by glycolyzed products as chain extender.