Chemical recycling of polylactide by microwave-assisted processes.

Abstract

The chemical recycling of post-consumer polylactic acid by microwave-assisted alcoholysis promoted by a phenoxy-imine pyridine zinc is investigated. Different alcohols and diols are used to achieve, in all cases, outstanding activity and selectivity toward the targeted products. Thanks to the robustness of the catalyst the reactions can be performed in the air, with technical grade reagents and without the use of additional solvents, thus ensuring the full sustainability of the procedure.