Researcher(s)
- Prarthona Zaman, Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Dionisios Vlachos, Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware
Abstract
Nylon 6 waste presents a significant environmental challenge due to its widespread use in fabrics, clothing, fishing nets, and ropes, owing to its high tensile strength, elasticity, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals. With the nylon 6 market expected to reach $21.5 billion by 2026 and nylon-based abandoned fishing nets comprising around 10% of ocean plastic, the need for efficient recycling has become critical for reducing waste and promoting sustainability. However, mechanical recycling of Nylon-6 often leads to degradation, resulting in inferior properties, and current chemical recycling methods require harsh conditions and are energy-intensive.
In this work, we showcase a chemical recycling method for the low-temperature glycolysis of nylon 6 to its monomer, ɛ-caprolactam. We test various solvents to identify a co-solvent that can facilitate the swelling and plasticization of nylon 6, enabling low-temperature glycolysis. Additionally, we investigate different catalysts to maximize the yield of ɛ-caprolactam. By combining the optimal solvent and catalytic system, we aim to establish a sustainable and energy-efficient recycling process for nylon 6.