A new strategy to chemically transform waste PET plastic into aerogel with high fire resistance and mechanical strength. (21st July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gao, Bingying; Sun, Xuzhang; Yao, Chao; Mao, Linqiang
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 254(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-07-21
• Subjects: Waste PET plastic -- Aerogel -- Fire resistance -- Compressive strength; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.125074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: It is still a great challenge and tough task to recycle of waste PET plastic into high valuable products. This work highlights a new method to synthesize high–performance PET aerogel (PET–A) with outstanding fire resistance and great compressive strength by waste PET beverage bottles. The prepared PET–A can endure high temperatures up to ∼1300 °C, does not burn and even release any smoke. The maximum compressive strength and Young's modulus of PET–A are 29.1 and 40.3 MPa, respectively. The improvement in thermal stability of PET–A can be attributed to the construction of poly aluminum phosphate networks (Al–O–P–O–Al) with the introduction of Al(H2 PO4 )3 (AHP). Moreover, the formation of polys–associated hydrogen bonds are responsible for the promotion in mechanical strength. This work provided a new method for recycling of waste PET plastic in the preparation of high value aerogel products. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A new method to synthesize aerogel by waste PET plastic was proposed. The prepared aerogel has high heat resistance and great compressive strength. Poly aluminum phosphate networks in aerogel were successfully constructed. Polys–associated hydrogen bonds was formed during synthesis of aerogel.