[Metals in recycled polyethylene terephthalate and discrimination method for its use].
Metals in recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were analyzed by ICP-MS following microwave digestion with nitric acid. Physically and superclean-like recycled PET contained both Ge and Sb, and sometimes contained Co, P or Si. In contrast, the chemically recycled PET contained only Ge or Sb, and some samples contained Co. The recycled PETs did not contain Pb or Cd. Ge and Sb were catalysts of the polymerization, and the other metals also originated from the PET resin as additives. It was concluded that there is no safety concern about metals in recycled PET. It became clear that the presence of both Ge and Sb could identify products formed using physically or superclean-like recycled PET. According to this discrimination method, about half of the sheet molding products used recycled PET.
Ohkado
Yuka
Y
National Institute of Health Siences: 1-18-1, Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan.
Kawamura
Yoko
Y
Mutsuga
Motoh
M
Tamura
Hiro-Omi
HO
Tanamoto
Kenichi
K
D000965:Antimony / Q000032:analysis; D003035:Cobalt / Q000032:analysis; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D005857:Germanium / Q000032:analysis; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis*; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates / Q000032:analysis*; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic
D008670:Metals; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D005857:Germanium; D007854:Lead; D003035:Cobalt; D000965:Antimony