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This study investigates the impact of enzymatic degradation on plastic waste, specifically focusing on the formation of semi-crystalline spherulite clusters that resist depolymerization. Utilizing a novel numeric method, the authors predict the morphology and connectivity of these clusters in PET waste, revealing that they form loosely connected, "fluffy" structures with a high surface-to-volume ratio. These insights provide a quantitative framework that can inform downstream treatment strategies, potentially enhancing the efficiency of enzymatic recycling processes.
Enzymatic recycling of plastics may be hindered by "fluffy" spherulite clusters that resist breakdown, complicating waste management strategies.
Enzymatic recycling of plastics is limited by the presence of semi-crystalline spherulites that are recalcitrant to enzymatic depolymerization. Depending on the quality of the waste stream and its treatment history, a large volume fraction of the material actually remains in form of connected clusters of such spherulites. We build on a recently published numeric method to predict the number, the connectivity, and the morphology of these clusters as an outcome of enzymatic degradation. When applied to PET waste, our method predicts that the resulting aggregates are loosely connected,"fluffy"structures with a high surface-to-volume ratio, accompanied by smaller clusters following a continuous size distribution. By providing a quantitative framework for understanding the microparticle production during the depolymerization, these findings should assist choosing a suitable downstream treatment, such as filtering or flocculation. This work could thus help to advance the enzymatic depolymerization technologies.