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Catalytic degradation of high-density polyethylene over different zeolitic structures

Journal Article · · Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ie990512q· OSTI ID:20076071
The catalytic degradation of high-density polyethylene to hydrocarbons was studied over different zeolites. The product range was typically between C{sub 3} and C{sub 15} hydrocarbons. Distinctive patterns of product distribution were found with different zeolitic structures. Over large-pore ultrastable Y, Y, and {beta} zeolites, alkanes were the main products with less alkenes and aromatics and only very small amounts of cycloalkanes and cycloalkenes. Medium-pore mordenite and ZSM-5 gave significantly more olefins. In the medium-pore zeolites secondary bimolecular reactions were sterically hindered, resulting in higher amounts of alkenes as primary products. The hydrocarbons formed with medium-pore zeolites were lighter than those formed with large-pore zeolites. The following order was found regarding the carbon number distribution: (lighter products) ZSM-5 < mordenite < {beta} < Y < US-Y (heavier products). A similar order was found regarding the bond saturation: (more alkenes) ZSM-5 < mordenite < {beta} < Y < US-Y (more alkanes). Dependent upon the chosen zeolite, a variety of products was obtained with high values as fuel, confirming catalytic degradation of polymers as a promising method of waste plastic recycling.
Research Organization:
Univ. Coll. London (GB)
OSTI ID:
20076071
Journal Information:
Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, Journal Name: Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 39; ISSN IECRED; ISSN 0888-5885
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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