Modeling Solvent-Based Dissolution-Precipitation Recycling of PET with Process Simulation

Solvent based dissolution-precipitation is an emerging chemical recycling technology that has the potential to close the loop for recycling Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common polymer resin used in consumer packaging. The solvent Gamma-Valerolactone (GVL) was selected for this process because it can be obtained from renewable biomass. Three different methods for producing high-quality PET from post-consumer PET waste were modeled using process simulation software: (1) adding an anti-solvent, (2) solvent evaporation, and (3) cooling the solution to precipitate dissolved polymer. Process models were simulated with and without heat integration to determine the impact to process efficiency and cost savings.