Abstract: In order to reduce the pollution produced by polyester fiber wastes and promote resource recycling ,
the recycled polyester fiber was depolymerized through glycolysis using excessive ethylene glycol under a
nitrogen atmosphere in the presence of metal acetate (Zn (AC) 2·2H2O) as a catalyst . Glycolysis product was
purified. It was found that the conversion rate of glycolysis is mainly influenced by reaction temperature and
time , and amount of catalyst . The preferable conversion rate (96. 65 %) can be obtained with 0. 2 % catalyst
(on weight of PET fiber) at 196 ℃for 2 h. The study reveals that the glycolysis of recycled polyester fiber is
a good method with practicality.