Depolymerization-liquefaction of plastics and rubbers. 1. Polyethylene, polypropylene and polybutadiene
- Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (United States)
Processing conditions were developed for high-yield depolymerization-liquefaction of isotactic polypropylene (M.W., {approximately}250,000) into a light, gasoline-like product. At 380-420{degrees}C, an initial H{sub 2} pressure of 1200 psig, with 1 wt% of finely dispersed Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}/SO{sub 4}{sup 2-} or ZrO{sub 2}/SO{sub 4}{sup 2-} as solid superacid catalysts, the polypropylene is converted (yields, 72-83 wt%) into a liquid product consisting predominantly of C{sub 5}-C{sub 12} branched paraffins. The change in product composition as a function of reaction temperature, time, and catalyst concentration, was examined and optimal conditions for production of gasoline-range branched paraffins determined. Depolymerization-liquefaction of polyethylene with the same catalysts required higher processing temperature (420-450{degrees}C) and longer reaction time. Liquid yields in the range of 78-85 wt% were obtained and the product consisted of a mixture of C{sub 5}-C{sub 30} (mostly C{sub 5}-C{sub 12}) normal paraffins, accompanied by some branched isomers. Polybutadiene (98 wt% cis) was depolymerized-liquefied at 400{degrees}C and 1200 psig initial H{sub 2} pressure in {approximately}85 wt% liquid yield. The product consisted of a mixture of paraffins and cyclic compounds, including alkylcyclohexanes, alkylcyclopentanes, and alkylbenzenes with C{sub 1}-C{sub 3} alkyl groups.
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC22-90PC90029
- OSTI ID:
- 433239
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950402-; ISSN 0569-3772; TRN: 97:000007-0002
- Journal Information:
- Preprints of Papers, American Chemical Society, Division of Fuel Chemistry, Vol. 40, Issue 1; Conference: 209. American Chemical Society (ACS) national meeting, Anaheim, CA (United States), 2-6 Apr 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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