Catalytic degradation of polyethylene over ferrierite

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/Al ₂O₃ratio, exhibited pronounced selectivity for the production of valuable olefins and excellent resistance to coke formation. All ferrierites generated mainly C₆-C₁₀hydrocarbons, and seemed to have the catalytic stability in the degradation of polyethylene.