Enzyme‐catalyzed hydrolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) cyclic trimer

Abstract

Abstract Oligoesters present in poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers are commonly extracted from the fiber during processing, such as aqueous‐based dyeing. Aqueous, insoluble oligoesters, particularly cyclic trimers that precipitate on processing machinery and on the fiber surface are difficult to remove under benign conditions. Reported is a new method for the efficient removal of cyclic trimer by enzyme‐catalyzed hydrolysis. Almost complete hydrolysis of trimer was accomplished at pH 8 and 60°C. Effects of time, agitation, surfactant, and enzyme and trimer concentrations on the efficiency of hydrolysis are reported. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2545–2552, 2003