A novel depolymerization of nylons in ionic liquids

Treatment of a polyamide such as Nylon-6 in ionic liquids at 300 degrees C resulted in the effective depolymerization to monomeric amides, which were readily isolated through direct distillation from the reaction pot. The ionic liquids were recycled and they still worked as good reaction media after being used five times. The present method provides a new usage of ionic liquids that will serve as a key material for realizing zero-emission chemical recycling process of plastics. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.