Title: Chemical Recycling Of Polyethylene Terephthalate (Pet) Via Alkaline Hydrolysis Using Alcoholic Media
Authors: Yousif.A A, Abdallah Ibrahim, Mohammed N.Eldeen, AmnahAhmed, Batool Mohammed, Mohammed Hussein
Volume: 9
Issue: 9
Pages: 13-17
Publication Date: 2025/09/28
Abstract:
The global demand for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has significantly increased over the past decades, resulting in a corresponding growth in post-consumer waste and environmental pollution. Mechanical recycling of PET is limited due to its high sensitivity to moisture at elevated processing temperatures. In this study, chemical recycling of PET waste was carried out by alkaline hydrolysis using sodium hydroxide dissolved in methanol and ethylene glycol. PET flakes obtained from post-consumer bottles were depolymerized under controlled heating, followed by acidification with sulfuric acid to precipitate terephthalic acid (TPA). The resulting products were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. FTIR analysis revealed strong similarities between the recovered solid products and reference terephthalic acid spectra, confirming the efficiency of the hydrolysis process. This work demonstrates the potential of chemical recycling as an effective approach for valorizing PET waste into high-value monomers.