Process for producing epsilon-caprolactam by depolymerization of polycaprolactam (PA6)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for producing ε-caprolactam by depolymerization of polycaprolactam (PA6) which comprises: a. contacting a composite material comprising PA6 and at least one fibrous reinforcing material with a solvent comprising at least one polyol, at a temperature in the range 130° C. 200° C. so as to obtain a solution comprising solubilized PA6 and an insoluble fraction comprising at least said fibrous reinforcing material; b. separating said insoluble fraction from said solution; c. combining said solution with a coagulation liquid comprising water to obtain a partially depolymerized coagulated PA6 dispersed in a liquid phase; d. separating said coagulated PA6 from said liquid phase; e. subjecting said coagulated PA6 separated in said phase d to further depolymerization by hydrolysis to obtain ε-caprolactam.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.