18228750. MECHANOCATALYTIC OXIDATIVE DEPOLYMERIZATION OF PLASTICS simplified abstract (GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION)

MECHANOCATALYTIC OXIDATIVE DEPOLYMERIZATION OF PLASTICS

Organization Name

GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION

Inventor(s)

Carsten Sievers of Atlanta GA (US)

Yuchen Chang of Atlanta GA (US)

Van Son Nguyen of Atlanta GA (US)

MECHANOCATALYTIC OXIDATIVE DEPOLYMERIZATION OF PLASTICS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18228750 titled 'MECHANOCATALYTIC OXIDATIVE DEPOLYMERIZATION OF PLASTICS

The present disclosure describes a method for depolymerizing a polymer product by forming a reaction mixture with an activating agent to produce an oxidized polymer with functional groups containing oxygen atoms.

• The method involves combining polymer feedstock with an activating agent to initiate the depolymerization process.
• Systems are also described, including a vessel with grinding bodies, polymer feedstock, and activating agent, all mixed under ambient pressure.
• The resulting oxidized polymer can be used in various applications due to its modified chemical structure.

Potential Applications: - Recycling of plastic waste - Production of new materials with enhanced properties - Chemical synthesis processes requiring functionalized polymers

Problems Solved: - Addressing the challenge of recycling complex polymer products - Providing a sustainable solution for polymer waste management - Offering a method to modify polymer properties for specific applications

Benefits: - Reduction of environmental impact from polymer waste - Creation of value-added products from recycled materials - Versatile use of oxidized polymers in different industries

Commercial Applications: Title: Sustainable Polymer Depolymerization Technology for Enhanced Material Production This technology can be utilized in recycling facilities, chemical manufacturing plants, and research institutions to develop innovative materials and reduce waste.

Questions about Polymer Depolymerization Technology: 1. How does this method compare to traditional polymer recycling processes?

  - The detailed answer will compare efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.

2. What are the potential challenges in scaling up this depolymerization process for industrial applications?

  - The response will address technical, logistical, and economic considerations for large-scale implementation.

Original Abstract Submitted

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for depolymerizing a polymer product. The method comprises forming a reaction mixture by combining polymer feedstock with an activating agent and producing an oxidized polymer comprising one or more functional groups comprising an oxygen atom. Also described are systems comprising a vessel having one or more inert or chemically reactive grinding bodies, polymer feedstock, and an activating agent, wherein the system is configured to mix the one or more grinding bodies, the polymer feedstock, and activating agent under approximately ambient pressure.