摘要 |
Technology for recycling polymers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is increasingly important in reducing the amount of polymeric materials deposited in landfills. The invention employs a base hydrolysis process to depolymerize, e.g. PET, which is improved by the addition of an oxidation step (preferably aeration) to oxidize impurities to highly insoluble impurities which may be removed by filtration, and may be further improved by the use of a quaternary ammonium hydroxide or a nonionic surfactant in the hydrolysis stage. |