Solvolysis of Nylon: A Pathway to Sustainable Recycling and Circular Economy
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Polyamides (PAs) are extensively utilized across various applications, yet the accumulation of PA residues presents significant ecological and environmental challenges. Given that a substantial portion of fishing nets are composed of nylon, a type of PA, this material’s disposal raises environmental concerns impacting marine life and the global ecosystem. Therefore, to enhance sustainability, they could be collected and recycled. This study introduces a method for the chemical recycling of PA waste using hydrochloric acid (HCl). Through solvolysis, a PA was depolymerized, and the effect of various reaction conditions on the depolymerization yield was analyzed, being the best conditions established in this work (100 °C, 4 h, and an HCl/PA ratio of 11:1, wt.wt−1). Next, a novel separation methodology was employed to isolate recycled products from salts formed during neutralization. Subsequently, these recycled products were incorporated as a partial substitute (up to 10% wt.wt−1) for a conventional PA in a new material production. The results indicate that the presence of recycled products enhances material stiffness due to crystallinity differences compared to the virgin matrix. In turn, the introduction of lower-molecular-weight species increases the materials’ glass transition temperature (Tg) and their melt flow index (MFI). This research underscores a sustainable pathway for PA recycling aligned with circular economy principles, contributing positively to environmental conservation efforts.
Source: Sustainability
DOI: 10.3390/su16229725
Authors: Nuno Gama, Jéssica Araújo, Bruno Godinho, Artur Ferreira, Ana Barros-Timmons
Institution: University of Aveiro
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,728
OpenAlex ID: W4404188637