Abstract
AbstractA method of recycling postconsumer poly(ethylene terephthalate (PET) using transesterification was studied. Shredded flakes of postconsumer PET waste were transesterified with higher diols, such as 1,4‐butanediol, 1,4‐cyclohexane dimethanol, and 1,6‐hexanediol, to yield copolyesters in the presence of Ti(iPrO)4 and Sb2O3 as catalysts. The extent of the formation of undesirable tetrahydrofuran side products was dependent on the molar ratio of PET to1,4‐butanediol and the time of reflux during transesterification. Quantitative insertion of the butylene moiety into PET could be achieved under appropriate reaction conditions. The mechanical properties of PBT obtained by a transesterification reaction of PET with 1,4‐butanediol were comparable to those of virgin PBT (obtained by direct reaction of dimethyl terephathalate with 1,4‐butanediol). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 3720–3729, 2004
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