A new role of alumina in polyethylene degradation: A step towards commercial polyethylene recycling

Abstract

Degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to liquid HCs was examined in a 1:1 polymer to alumina weight ratio in the presence of varying amounts of H₂SO₄. The oil fraction, obtained as a result of degradation, was thoroughly analyzed by GC/MS measurements. Increase in the amount of acid increases the amount of aromatics, with pronounced formation of oxygenated aromatics. Alumina, besides providing a thermal background, its usual role in polyethylene degradation, acts as a triphase catalyst by way of bringing the organic phase (melted polymer) and the aqueous phase (H₂SO₄) in intimate contact to facilitate the process of degradation.