Degradation of Low-Density Polyethylene over Modified Zeolites

✍ Scribed by Tu, P. ;Pratt, K. ;Kosior, E. ;Malherbe, F.

• Book ID: 102731316
• Publisher: Curtin University of Technology
• Year: 2008
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 869 KB
• Volume: 14
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0969-1855
• DOI: 10.1002/apj.5500140118

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

The potential of catalytic processing as an effective method for polymer recycling was studied using various modfled zeolites catalysts in the degradation of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). Particular attention was paid to catalytic activity, and selectivity and yield of liquid products. Two types of catalysts were evaluated: acid catalysts (HX and HY), and, pure NaX and its base‐modified derivatives (NaX impregnated with MgO, CaO, SrO and BaO). As a benchmark, thermal degradations were performed at 623 K, 673 K, 698 K, and 723 K, to identify optimum operating conditions for the catalytic reactions. Thermal degradation at 623 K showed no conversion during the first 7 hours run, while at other temperatures conversion was 100% and liquid yields at 673 K, 698 K, and 723 K were 21, 77 and 80wt% respectively. Catalytic cracking tests were performed at 673 K to improve liquid yield, and showed significant increases in the following catalyst order: HX (SOwtN) > HY (40wt%) > modified NaX (33wt%) NaX (30wt%) > thermal (21wt%).