Catalytic degradation of polyethylene and polypropylene to hydrocarbons on an ultrastable Y zeolite

The catalytic degradation of polyethylene (high density, linear low density, lav density) and polypropylene was studied on an ultrastable Y zeolite. The degradation temperature in the presence of catalyst was significantly layer than the one at the pure thermal degradation of the polymers. The product range was from C-3 to C-15. The whole product spectrum confirmed their high quality as fuel, making catalytic degradation a very promising method for waste plastics recycling. Polypropylene catalytic degradation produced more aromatics than polyolefins. Polyethylene branching increased the amount of alkenes.