Green Alcoholysis of Poly(lactic Acid)
Advisor(s)
Amelia Anderson-Wile
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 10:50 AM
Abstract
Using only green solvents and elevated temperatures, polylactic acid (PLA) was able to be depolymerized back into its monomer units. The alcoholysis of the polymers was conducted without the use of a toxic catalyst. A variety of different alcohols were analyzed for their ability to carry out the depolymerization. By looking closely at 1H NMR spectra of the products, we are able to identify depolymerization of the plastics into oligomer, dimer, and monomer units. This process employs the use of green solvents, post-consumer waste, and the ability to reuse the reaction products to create a more environmentally friendly chemical recycling of plastics.
Recommended Citation
Fetters, Kaylynn; Hackenberger, Kessler; and Anderson-Wile, Amelia, "Green Alcoholysis of Poly(lactic Acid)" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 3.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/3
Restricted
Available to ONU community via local IP address and ONU login.
Green Alcoholysis of Poly(lactic Acid)
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Using only green solvents and elevated temperatures, polylactic acid (PLA) was able to be depolymerized back into its monomer units. The alcoholysis of the polymers was conducted without the use of a toxic catalyst. A variety of different alcohols were analyzed for their ability to carry out the depolymerization. By looking closely at 1H NMR spectra of the products, we are able to identify depolymerization of the plastics into oligomer, dimer, and monomer units. This process employs the use of green solvents, post-consumer waste, and the ability to reuse the reaction products to create a more environmentally friendly chemical recycling of plastics.