Appeal No. 2003-1674 2
Application No. 09/651,161
THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to a process for recycling polyethylene terephthalate by
treatment with ammonium hydroxide to form ammonium terephthalate. The ammonium
terephthalate is heated to form terephthalic acid (TPA) and ammonia. Additional
limitations are described in the following illustrative claim.
THE CLAIM
Claim 1 is illustrative of appellant’s invention and is reproduced below.
1. A process for recycling polyethylene terephthalate to form reactants useful in
the manufacture thereof comprising:
(a) contacting recyclable polyethylene terephthalate with ammonium hydroxide to
form a mixture of ammonium terephthalate and ethylene glycol;
(b) separating said ammonium terephthalate from the mixture; and
(c) heating said ammonium terephthalate to form TPA and ammonia.
THE REFERENCES OF RECORD
As evidence of obviousness, the examiner relies upon the following references:
Ventura et al. (Ventura) 3,624,049 Nov. 30, 1971
Sze et al (Sze) 3,968,152 July 6, 1976
Lamparter et al (Lamparter) 4,542,239 Sep. 17, 1985
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