Abstract:

The applicability of ferrierite to the catalytic degradation of polyethylenes, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and the effect of its acidity have been investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer and batch reactor. Quantitative analyses of the products were also carried out using GC-MS and GC-FID. The apparent activation energy of the catalytic degradation of polyethylene was significantly lowered by the addition of the catalysts. Ferrierite, with a low SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio, exhibited pronounced selectivity for the production of valuable olefins and excellent resistance to coke formation. All ferrierites generated mainly C₆-C₁₀ hydrocarbons, and seemed to have the catalytic stability in the degradation of polyethylene.

Keywords: POLYETHYLENE; FERRIERITE; CATALYTIC DEGRADATION; OLEFINS; STABILITY

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1163/156856708786189195

Affiliations: 1: Faculty of Environmental Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul 130-743, South Korea 2: Department of Chemical Engineering, Kongju National Univer4sity, Gongju 314-701, South Korea 3: Division of Advanced Materials Engineering, Kongju National University, Gongju 314-701, South Korea 4: New Chemistry Research Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 305-600, South Korea