Physiochemical properties of polymer mortar composites using resins derived from post-consumer PET bottles

In this study, post consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste bottles were used, to produce unsaturated polyester resin by depolymerization through glycolysis reaction with diethylene glycol. The glycolysis was optimized by varying temperature, amount of catalyst, and the glycolysis time. The glycolysis product bis-2-hydroxy ethylene terephthalate (BHET) monomers were converted into unsaturated polyesters, which were diluted with styrene to produce the unsaturated polyester resin. These resins were used to produce polymer mortar and cured using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator and N,N-diethyl aniline as promoter. These polymer mortar composites were analyzed for physiochemical properties using carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen (CHN) elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis–differential thermal analysis (TGA–DTA). The polymer mortar so produced has a compressive strength of about 10 MPa and may be used in applications such as pavements, median barriers, sewer pipes, etc. Its tensile strength at 45 days of age is 18–23% of its compressive strength at the same age.