One Pot: A Streamlined Strategy for Recycling Poly(butylene terephthalate)
발표자
권제훈 (충남대학교)
연구책임자
구준모 (충남대학교)
초록
내용
Chemical recycling of plastic waste enables recovery of monomers for reuse, supporting a circular carbon economy. Among terephthalic acid (TPA)-based polyesters, poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) is a promising candidate for closed-loop recycling. However, conventional methods often involve high catalyst loadings and complex purification steps, limiting efficiency. This study presents a one-pot strategy that integrates depolymerization and repolymerization into a single process. Depolymerized intermediates are reused in situ without purification, reducing energy and material input. The effects of depolymerization time, 1,4-butanediol stoichiometry, and catalyst presence were systematically investigated. Emphasis was placed on how intermediate composition influences polymer conversion, molecular weight, and the thermal and mechanical properties of recycled PBT (rPBT). The results identify key parameters for producing high-quality rPBT through a simplified, sustainable process.