METHOD FOR CHEMICAL REUTILIZATION OF DEPLETED POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE Russian patent published in 2005 - IPC

FIELD: organic chemistry, chemical technology.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the improved method for chemical reutilization of depleted polyethylene terephthalate, especially to non-classified crumbs of utilized polyethylene terephthalate articles resulting to preparing terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. Method involves hydrolysis of utility waste polyethylene terephthalate with aim for its depolymerization and involves the following steps: (a) separation of polyethylene terephthalate component in the parent raw by its transfer to fragile form by using crystallization, grinding and the following screening processes; (b) continuous two-step hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate carried out at the first step by injection of steam into polymer melt followed by carrying out the hydrolysis reaction of products from the first step with ammonium hydroxide and by the following (c) precipitation of terephthalic acid from aqueous solution of hydrolysis products from the second step with inorganic acid and separation of terephthalic acid by filtration method and by the following (d) extraction of ethylene glycol by rectifying from solution of the second step hydrolysis products after separation of terephthalic acid. This technologically simple and effective method provides possibility for treatment of very contaminated the parent raw and providing high purity of end products.

EFFECT: improved treatment method.

5 cl, 1 ex