Síntese do PET com a incorporação de íons de prata a partir dos reagentes obtidos na despolimerização do poliéster

Abstract

The textile industry expanded with industrialization, driven by consumerism and fashion, becoming a highly polluting sector. The improper disposal of fabrics and the increasing demand have shortened the lifespan of garments, exacerbating environmental impacts. This study investigates the depolymerization of three types of polyester through basic hydrolysis as a sustainable alternative for chemical recycling. The methodology involved the reaction of polyester with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to obtain terephthalic acid (TPA), comparing the results with the literature. Subsequently, synthesis was explored using this reagent and silver nitrate to enhance the thermal properties of the recycled material. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of TPA as the main product of PET depolymerization from post-consumer bottles and textile polyester, both with and without elastane in its composition. Finally, X-ray diffraction provided evidence of silver in the synthesized material, while scanning electron microscopy confirmed its existence within the matrix, with EDS analysis identifying carbon, oxygen, and silver as the primary constituents.