Mechanism of Depolymerization Reaction of Polyethylene Terephthalate: Experimental and Theoretical Studies
(209-216) Journal of Polymers and the Environment 19 #1 (2011)
Asakuma et al University of Hyogo, Japan, analyzedthe depolymerization reaction of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) usingboth experimental data and numerical data obtained from quantum chemistry calculations. Various alcohols were used as solvents in the search for the reaction mechanism.  The formation of rings from alkoxyl groups and carbonyl carbon atoms at the transitional state is highly important when the ester bonds of PET are broken. (RDC 4/22/2011)