Catalyzing the Hydrocracking of Low Density Polyethylene

Abstract

The hydrocracking of squalane and low density polyethylene (LDPE) into low molecular weight hydrocarbons has been demonstrated with the use of bifunctional zeolite catalysts, Pt-impregnated USY and Beta, with selectivity toward isomers of C4-C6 alkanes. Quantification of liquid and gaseous products via GC-FID and GC-MS demonstrated that appropriate catalyst selection can yield >95% conversion of polymer to fluid products at mild reaction conditions of 330 °C and 20 bar of H2 and short reaction times of <15 min in a batch system. Zeolite Beta exhibits marked selectivity toward C4 hydrocarbons, and its efficacy in this reaction is related to its acidic and structural properties. The appropriate selection of reaction time, temperature, and Pt-loading are discussed.