Improving the Recyclability of PET-PE Mixed Waste Streams

Project Abstract

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(ethylene) (PE) are among the most common plastics produced today. Together, they are often used as multilayer film for food wrappers and other gas/water vapor barrier products and constituent one of the largest offenders insofar as oceanic waste is concerned. Unfortunately, multicomponent systems such as these are challenging to recycle due to the difficulty in separating the layer components and immiscibility between the components during the recycling process. Towards this end, we have prepared several compatibilizers that could be utilized in improving the recyclability of mixed plastic waste streams such as PET-PE. Synthetic details and characterization of the compatibilizers will be discussed as well as data supporting the notion that these materials can help to improve the miscibility of PET and PE during reprocessing.

Conference

American Chemical Society National Meeting and Expo, Orlando, FL, March 30-April 4, 2019.

Funding Type

Travel Grant

Academic College

Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Area/Major/Minor

Chemistry

Degree

B.S.

Classification

Senior

Name

Dr. Kevin M. Miller

Academic College

Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology

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