Abstract: Methods of making metal-terephthalate polymers from a polyester ethylene terephthalate or terephthalic acid produces high yield and high purity reaction products for a range of metals. Among the preferred metal compounds employed in the processes are metal oxides and metal hydroxides. The methods are preferably carried out at a low pressure and can produce metal-terephthalate polymer powders containing small crystals which can be employed to enhance properties of polymers or disperse metals in specific applications by thermal decomposition of metal-terephthalate polymers.

Abstract: A method of making a metal-terephthalate polymer from polyester ethylene terephthalate includes reacting polyester ethylene terephthalate with a metal compound in a non-aqueous melt environment at an elevated temperature. The elevated temperature will be greater than 270° C., and preferably rises to a temperature of about 520° C. The method is preferably carried out at a low pressure. The method may be used in the recycling of passenger vehicle tire shreds to produce a carbon black rrich ppowder that is enriched in the metal-terephthalate polymer.