ETH Zurich Researchers Simplified PMMA Recycling
A new solvent-free chemical process recovers acrylic at temperatures below 200°C, lowering current energy demands.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Chemistry
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Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a chemical recycling method for PMMA, or acrylic, that functions at temperatures below 200°C. This research-stage process offers a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional thermal methods.
Why it matters
Traditional recycling of PMMA requires pyrolysis at temperatures exceeding 400°C and often uses solvents that contaminate the final product. This new approach could enable higher recovery rates of raw material while significantly reducing the energy intensity required for chemical recycling.
The process achieves a 96% monomer yield in a single cycle at temperatures below 200°C, significantly outperforming the standard pyrolysis benchmark of 400°C. Only 4% of the material remains after the first cycle, with a second pass pushing total yield to 99%.
The players
ETH Zurich
A public research university in Switzerland with a focus on advanced chemical engineering and materials science.
The details
The method utilizes N-hydroxytetrachlorophthalimide, a compound that functions as an external radical source to trigger hydrogen atom transfer reactions. By facilitating these reactions, the process splits the polymer chain mid-chain without relying on traditional solvent-based degradation. This chemical approach operates optimally within an 180-230°C temperature range, effectively bypassing the intense heat requirements of thermal depolymerization.
Timeline
January 2026: UV light recycling research was published.
September 29, 2026: Research findings were officially published.
The Tech Race
The development represents a shift toward more energy-efficient chemical recycling compared to conventional high-heat pyrolysis techniques. It builds on the growing field of polymer degradation research, moving away from the intensity of legacy industrial methods.
This development is currently limited to the research stage and does not yet affect commercial plastic recycling or consumer product availability. Future practical adoption depends on the team's ability to scale the chemical process to industrial levels and identify cheaper reagent alternatives.
The takeaway
This method replaces traditional 400°C pyrolysis with a 200°C reaction, potentially lowering the energy barrier for acrylic recovery. Interested parties should monitor future filings from the research team regarding the identification of more cost-effective reagents.
Further reading
Explore the current state of chemical synthesis and material recovery in the Chemistry section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chemistry World.
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