Published Paper Details:

The recovery of plastic waste plays a crucial role in improving waste management by giving discarded plastics a new purpose. An effective method for recovering plastic waste is hydrolysis treatment, where the plastic monomers are recovered through depolymerization. This study specifically examines the recovery of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using solid acid-mediated or catalyzed synthesis. The analysis focuses on the weight changes of PET under different hydrolysis conditions, including various reaction times and temperatures. Additionally, the study evaluates the recovery of the PET monomer, referred to as terephthalic acid (TPA). The results indicate that higher temperatures with different catalysts such as the green catalyst Amberlite IR-120[H+] resin or NiCl2, and longer reaction times contribute to higher TPA recovery. The measured PET residue, reflected in weight differences, aligns with the observed trend in TPA yield. Particularly, hydrolysis with an acidic catalyst under milder conditions proves to be more efficient in recovering TPA compared to harsh basic or strongly acidic conditions. The knowledge gained from this study holds significant potential for upcycling plastic waste into valuable end products. By understanding the optimal conditions for TPA recovery from PET, this research provides valuable insights into maximizing the effectiveness of hydrolysis processes. Ultimately, these findings contribute to the development of sustainable processes for converting plastic waste into high-value resources.