Enzymatic depolymerization of polyester: Foaming as a pretreatment to increase specific surface area

Author:

Patel Akanksha1ORCID,Chang Allen C.1,Abid Umer2,Ayafor Christian3,Wong Hsi‐Wu2,Xie Dongming2,Sobkowicz Margaret J.1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Plastics Engineering Department University of Massachusetts Lowell Lowell Massachusetts USA

2. Chemical Engineering Department University of Massachusetts Lowell Lowell Massachusetts USA

3. Energy Engineering Program University of Massachusetts Lowell Lowell Massachusetts USA

Abstract

AbstractPoly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is widely used for its high strength‐to‐weight ratio, gas barrier properties, and chemical resistance. The growing PET use highlights the demand for a better recycling system. Enzymatic recycling, alongside mechanical and chemical methods, is eco‐friendly and yields properties similar to virgin PET. Substrate properties (Tg, crystallinity, and specific surface area [SSA]) and enzyme stability significantly impact conversion efficiency. Higher SSA and lower crystallinity tend to yield improved depolymerization when employing leaf compost‐cutinase (LCC‐ICCG) enzymes. This study explored melt extrusion and foaming as pretreatment techniques to modify PET structural properties, using a low‐cost chemical foaming agent (CFA). The monomer conversion rate and efficiency during depolymerization were measured and related to the processing, extrudate micro‐ and meso‐structure, and polyester type. Pretreated PET substrates showed reduced Tg, crystallinity, density, and enhanced SSA, resulting in a 90% mass loss for foamed RPET and VPET substrates within 2 days. In contrast, PET with ~30% of cyclohexanedimethanol comonomer exhibited a nearly 50% lower depolymerization rate, with zero BHET production. It indicates that the combination of low crystallinity, low Tg, and high SSA leads to improved monomer conversion. These findings emphasize the significance of amorphization and foaming in enhancing PET enzymatic depolymerization.

Funder

U.S. Department of Energy

Publisher

Wiley

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