Ionic Liquid Potential to Recycle Polymeric Waste: An Experimental Investigation

The impact of ionic liquid (IL) solution on the recycling process of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste containers used to store drinking water, with a focus on optimizing the added percentage and processing conditions of IL was studied. Characterization using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nano-indentation tests were performed. Generally, an increase in the degradation temperatures was observed with increasing IL%. Since they were quite comparable, their good thermal stability could be considered. An increase in the hardness was noticed from 0.41 at 0% to 0.45 at a 2% IL solution. A rise in the modulus of elasticity was also observed from 5.5 GPa at 0% to 8 GPa at 2% IL solution. Although there has been some improvement in the properties of the IL blends, limitations such as IL cost and their effective recycling remains a challenge and needs more efforts to fully explore their potential.