Study of polyurethane formulations containing Diols obtained via glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) by oligoesters Diols through a reactive extrusion process

The glycolysis of PET by oligoester diols in the presence of zinc acetate was carried out in two successive twin-screw extruders with total residence times of 4 min and without solvent. These new glycolysates were analyzed and used in polyurethane formulation with a commercial polyol. The reactivity of these formulations was studied. The mechanical properties, thermal and swelling behavior of these polyurethanes were investigated. Mechanical properties are improved with the addition of glycolysate. The thermal e behavior is not modified with the addition of glycolysate. The swelling behavior of the material depends on the solvent nature. The addition of glycolysate allows a decrease in material swelling in chloroform but increases this swelling in acetone.