Molar Mass Alteration During Post-Consumer PET Recycling Using Polycarbodiimide-Based Additive

Author(s)

Silva Freitas, Flavia Leticia ^[1] ; Chinellato, Anne Cristine ^[2] ; Cruz, Sandra Andrea ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Fed Univ ABC UFABC, Nanosci & Adv Mat Postgrad Program PPG NMA, Av Estados 5001, Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

^[2] Fed Univ ABC UFABC, Ctr Engn Modeling & Appl Social Sci, Av Estados 5001, Santo Andre, SP - Brazil

^[3] Fed Univ Sao Carlos UFSCar, Ctr Exact Sci, Chem Dept, Rodovia Washington Luis, Km 235, 10 SP 310, Sao Carlos - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT; v. 29, n. 3, p. 734-744, MAR 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) is one of the most used polymers in the world that results in tons disposed in landfills and dumping grounds. Despite the advantages of using recycled PET, the recycling process decrease its physical-chemical properties. The present study addresses the use of polycarbodiimide-based additive to increase the molar mass of post-consumer PET. A new approach is proposed to evaluate the molar mass, as well as the relationship between the intrinsic viscosity and oscillatory rheometry. This analysis allowed us to compare the measurement obtained in diluted solution and melt from complex viscosity out of the Newtonian plateau. Different concentrations of additive in the post-consumer (dry or wet) PET reprocessing resulted in materials with different molar mass ranges. Consequently, different market applications will be available, such as textile fiber, bottles or engineering goods. {[}GRAPHICS] . (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/21272-9 - Post-consumer PET recycling: evaluation of the degradation in the presence of contaminants
• Grantee: Sandra Andrea Cruz
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants