Upcycling aliphatic polyesters to photopolymers at ambient conditions
A catalytic transesterification process that converts waste aliphatic polyesters into photopolymerizable monomers for UV-curable coatings and 3D printing. Enables sustainable upcycling of PLA, PHB, and PETG scrap into biodegradable photopolymers under ambient conditions using potassium carbonate catalysis.
Overview
This technology upcycles waste aliphatic polyesters into functional photopolymerizable monomers through catalytic transesterification. By reacting polyesters such as PLA, PHB, and PETG with functional alcohol reagents in the presence of carbonate salt catalysts, the process yields monomers suitable for UV-curable coatings, over-print varnishes for paper, and 3D printing resins. The approach addresses two pressing industry needs: reducing plastic waste from disposable packaging and films, and producing sustainable, biodegradable photopolymers for high-value applications.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Catalytic transesterification using potassium carbonate or similar carbonate salts at ambient conditions
- Compatible with multiple polyester feedstocks including PLA, PHB, and PETG
- Functional alcohol reagents (such as allyl alcohol) introduce photopolymerizable groups onto depolymerized monomers
- Reaction conditions systematically optimized for time, temperature, catalyst concentration, and alcohol loading
- Molecular weight tracked via gel permeation chromatography during depolymerization
- Product quality characterized by FTIR and NMR
- Scalable beyond 100 grams using real scrap and waste film feedstocks
- Cost analysis and life cycle analysis included for commercial viability assessment
Technology readiness level
The transesterification chemistry has been validated in published laboratory studies for both aromatic and aliphatic polyesters using carbonate salt catalysts. In-house demonstrations confirm feasibility with PLA, PHB, and PETG feedstocks. Near-term work focuses on systematic optimization of reaction conditions (3-6 months), development of UV-curable photopolymer formulations for biodegradable coating applications (3-6 months), and scale-up beyond 100 grams with industry-supplied scrap films (3 months), including cost and life cycle analysis.
About University of Utah
The University of Utah is a comprehensive public research university in Salt Lake City, paired with the resources of a major academic medical center. Industry partners engage through an on-campus research and technology park that co-locates companies with faculty labs and shared core facilities. Clinical integration supports large-scale trials and translation, while proximity to Silicon Slopes expands access to regional innovation partners. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NIH and NSF, with additional awards from DOE and the Department of Defense. A dedicated technology commercialization office manages IP, licensing, startup formation, and corporate engagement, with incubator space in the research park.
delivered to your inbox.