Glycolytic depolymerization of PET waste using MP-diol and utilization of recycled product for UV-curable wood coating

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste recycling has become a worldwide research interest for industries and academic institutes due its inevitable environmental impact. The main objective of current research work is to target efficient recycling of PET waste from mineral water bottles by the glycolysis method and subsequent use of the recycled product for value-added coating application. In the present study, we report on MP-diol (2-methyl-1,3-propanediol) which is not explored much for the chemical recycling of PET, having a branched aliphatic diol with two primary hydroxyls, for glycolysis reaction. The reaction parameters were optimized for microwave-assisted technique by varying the ratio of raw materials, reaction time, temperature, and power. The reaction parameters were optimized, and the recycled oligomeric product (OPETMPD) was separated, purified, and characterized by chemical and spectroscopic methods. Subsequently, dimethacrylated oligoesters of PET oligomer (UV oligomer) were synthesized by methacrylation of the glycolyzed PET product (OPETMPD). The synthesized UV oligomer was evaluated using chemical and spectroscopic methods. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation-curable formulations were prepared using synthesized UV oligomer and applied on wooden panels. The coatings were cured using UV-curing machine and evaluated for their performance properties. The partial replacement of UV oligomer in UV formulations exhibited comparative coating performance properties with respect to conventional UV formulation.