Catalytic conversion of polyethylene into fuels over mesoporous MCM-41

Abstract

Tetrahedral Al-containing MCM-41, prepared under ambient conditions, exhibits suitable catalytic properties for the conversion of low-density polyethylene into hydrocarbon feedstocks.

Hybrid HDPE/MCM-41 nanocomposites: Crystalline structure and viscoelastic behaviour

“…6. This enhancement is also seen in the nanocomposites; for instance, long spacing rises from 39.7 to 46.1 nm in HDPE/MCM-41 (14).…”

“…While the catalytic effect of the inorganic material in the decomposition of polymers was also observed with several zeolites [16,28,29], MCM-41 materials appear to be more active in this process, probably due to their larger pore diameters [30]. These results suggest that the recycling of the nanocomposites at the end of their lifetime service, by reutilisation in chemical processes or in the production of liquid fuels, would be more favourable [14,31]. Fig.…”

“…After this, the curve becomes flat in the molten state. However, for the nanocomposites with high MCM-41 contents, the recrystallisation processes are hindered and only take place from relatively high temperatures, starting at 90°C for HDPE/MCM-41 (14) and HDPE/MCM-41(23) nanocomposites, whereas the invariant is practically unchanged for HDPE/MCM-41(28) until the melting process occurs. This fact seems to be associated with the higher confinement of HDPE crystallites within the MCM-41 channels, as nanofiller content increases, due to the larger amount of polyethylene chains in their inside.…”

“…In situ polymerisation gives better filler dispersion than simple melt preparation, particularly at high filler contents, and provides a promising strategy for obtaining nanocomposites with desirable properties. Some recent studies have also shown that zeolites and MCM-41 derivatives are potential candidates to be used as promoters of the catalytic cracking of polyolefins, allowing its conversion at lower temperatures, in gaseous and liquid products that can be used as fine chemicals or fuels [14][15][16].…”

Self-Reinforced Hybrid Polyethylene/MCM-41 Nanocomposites: <I>In-Situ</I> Polymerisation and Effect of MCM-41 Content on Rigidity

“…A similar effect has been found by Marcilla 42 et al when studying the degradation of PE under N 2 , in the presence and absence of mesoporous MCM-41, by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Aguado 43 et al have also shown the efficiency of mesoporous aluminosilicate MCM-41 as promoter towards degradation of polyolefins into liquid fuels. Nowadays, this might be quite interesting in relation to the degradation of these polyolefins into basic petrochemicals as feedstock or fuel for downstream processes after their life service, making these self-reinforced polyolefinic materials environmentally welcome and with an added value.…”