Selective Degradation of End-of-Life Poly(lactide) via Alkali-Metal-Halide Catalysis

Abstract

The recycling of poly(lactide) (PLA) is studied. Using methanol and alkali-metal-halides as catalyst, PLA is degraded to produce methyl lactate, which is a suitable chemical for the regeneration of PLA. An excellent degree of degradation (conversions: >99%, yields: >99%) is achieved in less than 20 min utilizing microwave heating. Remarkably, PLA goods are successfully converted into methyl lactate.