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Depolymerization Routes of Condensation Polymers

Developing innovative ways to recycle plastics is an important and pressing challenge for industry and academy, given its significant impact on CO2 emissions as well as improvement of resource-efficiency and reduction of landfilling. Chemical recycling allows for the transformation of various types of plastic waste from single-polymer and mixed waste streams back into their original components. By creating a new, secondary virgin-quality raw material, chemical recycling can help close the loop and reduce the consumption of fossil resources. While progress has been made in the chemolytic depolymerization of man-made condensation polymers, such as PET, nylon, kevlar, polyester, polycarbonates, polyurethanes and epoxies, highly efficient and selective processes are still needed. This session will highlight key developments in this area.

Organizers

Prof. Wim Thielmans, KU Leuven, Belgium
Prof. Jose Jonathon Rubio Arias, KU Leuven, Belgium
Prof. Ning Yan, National University of Singapore

Nominal Sponsor

Division of Cellulose and Renewable Materials (CELL)