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<p>Environmental pollution represents one of the main challenges of the modern era, profoundly impacting daily life, public health, and ecological systems. Among the various pollutants, plastic waste—particularly non-biodegradable polymers—contributes significantly to long-term environmental degradation, including the contamination of water bodies, soil, and food chains. In this context, recycling synthetic polymers, especially those that are not easily recyclable through conventional mechanical methods, is essential. This research focuses on the chemical recycling of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a widely used polymer in packaging and textiles, through glycolysis to produce the BHET (bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate) monomer. Successful depolymerization was confirmed through FTIR analysis, which verified the formation of the BHET monomer. Subsequently, the recovered BHET was utilized as a key reactant to synthesize PBAT (poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)), a biodegradable polyester known for its potential to replace conventional plastics in various applications. The synthesis of PBAT was achieved via melt polymerization, and the resulting polymer was thoroughly characterized using multiple analytical techniques, including FTIR, NMR, TGA, DSC, and viscometry. The FTIR spectrum exhibited characteristic absorption peaks at 2955.11, 1727.83, 1272.69, 1122.19, and 731.53&#xa0;cm⁻¹, confirming the successful formation of PBAT. NMR and DSC results further corroborated the chemical structure and thermal properties of the synthesized polymer. Importantly, the molecular weight of the final product was determined to be 44,355.85&#xa0;g/mol, affirming the successful formation of a high-molecular-weight polymer. This study underscores the viability of recycling PET waste into high-value biodegradable polymers, thereby contributing meaningfully to environmental sustainability and the circular economy.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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From waste to value: production of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate from recycled polyethylene terephthalate

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月16日

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  • Hoda Ostadbagher,
  • Mohammad Najafi,
  • Sanaz Morovati,
  • Sohrab Nikazar

摘要

Environmental pollution represents one of the main challenges of the modern era, profoundly impacting daily life, public health, and ecological systems. Among the various pollutants, plastic waste—particularly non-biodegradable polymers—contributes significantly to long-term environmental degradation, including the contamination of water bodies, soil, and food chains. In this context, recycling synthetic polymers, especially those that are not easily recyclable through conventional mechanical methods, is essential. This research focuses on the chemical recycling of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a widely used polymer in packaging and textiles, through glycolysis to produce the BHET (bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate) monomer. Successful depolymerization was confirmed through FTIR analysis, which verified the formation of the BHET monomer. Subsequently, the recovered BHET was utilized as a key reactant to synthesize PBAT (poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)), a biodegradable polyester known for its potential to replace conventional plastics in various applications. The synthesis of PBAT was achieved via melt polymerization, and the resulting polymer was thoroughly characterized using multiple analytical techniques, including FTIR, NMR, TGA, DSC, and viscometry. The FTIR spectrum exhibited characteristic absorption peaks at 2955.11, 1727.83, 1272.69, 1122.19, and 731.53 cm⁻¹, confirming the successful formation of PBAT. NMR and DSC results further corroborated the chemical structure and thermal properties of the synthesized polymer. Importantly, the molecular weight of the final product was determined to be 44,355.85 g/mol, affirming the successful formation of a high-molecular-weight polymer. This study underscores the viability of recycling PET waste into high-value biodegradable polymers, thereby contributing meaningfully to environmental sustainability and the circular economy.

Graphical abstract