(483f) Generalized Model of the Depolymerization of Polycarbonate: Chemistry, Chain Breakdown, Transport Phenomena and Reactor

This work presents a general perspective to tackle the modeling of these complex depolymerization processes. Thus, the modeling of depolymerization processes must consider four main levels. First, molecular level considering the possible chemistries. Second, molecular level considering the chain interaction and breakdown of the polymer (balance of population). Third microscopic level including transport phenomena within the reaction system. Finally the macroscopic level including the type and behavior of the reactor. In a previous model the kinetics of the system were calculated fitting experimental data for the depolymerization of Bisphenol-A polycarbonate pellets and CD/DVD wastes in a semi-continuous reactor. In this work a continuous modeling taking in to account the distribution of particle size is presented. The model has been used for the simulation of different operational situations such as flow interruption. This model is a starting point for the scale-up of these processes.