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Modification of PET to inhibit the processes responsible for yellowing and improve its recyclability.
About
A combination of reactions, caused by UV light and thermal processing, lead to the yellowing of PET and reduce its potential for reuse in the food and beverage industries. We propose a multi-stage approach of computational design and chemical modification to prevent the processes responsible for the yellowing of the recycled material. This will address the cause of the problem rather than simply masking the color. The team involved in this research project is based at Heriot-Watt University and comprises a wide range of experience across organic chemistry, polymer chemistry and materials science.
Key Benefits
The incorporation of, carefully chosen stabilisers (through computational design) allows us to prevent the undesirable chemical and physical degradation processes, associated with recycling, from occurring and avoids interfering with the current bottle manufacturing process. We will achieve this by using non-toxic additives, which will not affect the use of the material in the food and beverage industry.
Applications
Recycled PET for use in the food and beverage industry.