Researchers have introduced an innovative method to decompose polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the most commonly used plastics globally, utilizing mechanical forces rather than relying on heat or harsh chemicals. This development addresses the critical issue of plastic waste accumulation, particularly in landfills and the environment.
PET is extensively produced every year for various applications, including bottles, food packaging, and textile fibers, amounting to millions of tons. The very properties that make PET a durable and versatile material also complicate its recycling process.
The findings, published in the journal Chem, highlight a groundbreaking “mechanochemical” approach. This technique employs mechanical forces, such as collisions, to facilitate chemical reactions that can efficiently break down PET into its fundamental components. The research was spearheaded by postdoctoral researcher Kinga Gołąbek and Professor Carsten Sievers from the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Tech.
In their experiments, the team subjected solid pieces of PET to impacts from metal balls, mimicking the conditions of a ball mill. This method allowed PET to react with solid chemicals, including sodium hydroxide (NaOH), generating sufficient energy at room temperature to disrupt the chemical bonds without the use of hazardous solvents.
“We”re demonstrating that mechanical impacts can effectively decompose plastics into their original molecules in a controlled and efficient manner,” Sievers remarked. “This could significantly change how we approach plastic recycling, making the process more sustainable.”
This new methodology could pave the way for faster and cleaner recycling practices, potentially transforming the landscape of plastic waste management and contributing to global sustainability efforts.
