Abstract: A process for producing high quality TPA suitable for PET feedstock material from recycled polyester. The process includes the steps of depolymerizing the polyester to form DMT; separating the DMT from secondary materials; and hydrolyzing the DMT to form TPA. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the recycled polyester is contacted with a component monomer or oligomer thereof to liquefy the polyester prior to depolymerizing the polyester.

Abstract: An apparatus for depolymerizing recycled polyester into its component ester monomers and half esters includes a first reactor for depolymerizing the recycled polyester, a separator for separating ester monomeric components and half-esters from secondary materials produced in the first reactor, and a second reactor for producing a low molecular weight polyester from liquefied separator products.

Abstract: A process for recovering suitable polyester feedstock material from recycled polyester includes the steps of depolymerizing the polyester into its component ester monomers and half-esters; separating the monomers and half-esters from other secondary materials; and mixing the component ester monomers and half-esters with additional monomers to produce a low molecular weight polyester. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the recycled polyester is contacted with a component monomer or oligomer thereof to liquefy the polyester before the polyester is depolymerized.The invention further provides an apparatus for carrying out the process. The apparatus includes a first reactor for depolymerizing the recycled polyester, a separator for separating ester monomeric components and half-esters from secondary materials produced in the first reactor, and a second reactor for producing a low molecular weight polyester from the liquefied separator products.

Abstract: A polyester having increased UV absorption comprising (i) a residue of a dicarboxylic acid component comprising terephthalic and from about 1 to about 20 mole % of isophthalic acid, (ii) a residue of a glycol component comprising ethylene glycol, and (iii) from about 0.01 mole % to about 15 mole % of a residue of an aromatic diol derivative, wherein the aromatic diol derivative has a least two polyester reactive groups that are capable of participating in a polyester-forming reaction and the total mole % for components (i), (ii) and (iii) is 200 mole %.