Catalytic degradation of high-density polyethylene on an ultrastable-Y zeolite. Nature of initial polymer reactions, pattern of formation of gas and liquid products, and temperature effects

Journal Article · Mon May 01 04:00:00 EDT 2000 · Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ie990513i· OSTI ID:20076072

Manos, G; Garforth, A; Dwyer, J

The catalytic degradation of high-density polyethylene (hdPE) over ultrastable Y zeolite in a semibatch reactor was studied at different heating rates and reaction temperatures. Catalytic degradation of the polymer occurred at much lower temperatures than pure thermal degradation. When gel permeation chromatography was used to determine the molar mass distribution, it was found that solid state reactions occur only in the presence of a catalyst. These reactions change the polymer structure well before the formation of significant amounts of volatile products. The pattern of formation of gaseous and liquid products was studied and found to follow the temperature increase. After the system reached its final temperature, the reaction rate of formation of volatile products decreased rapidly. The product range was typically between C{sub 3} and C{sub 15}. Isobutane and isopentane were the main gaseous products. The liquid product fraction was alkane-rich, as alkenes rapidly undergo bimolecular hydrogen transfer reactions to give alkanes as secondary products.

• Research Organization: Univ. Coll. London (GB)
• OSTI ID: 20076072
• 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

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
CATALYTIC EFFECTS
CHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
CHEMICAL REACTION YIELD
DECOMPOSITION
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
MUNICIPAL WASTES
POLYETHYLENES
RECYCLING
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
ZEOLITES