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.

Plastic waste to fuels by hydrocracking at mild conditions

“…4A). The presence of Pt near zeolite acid sites, as attempted in the past, leads to overcracking and the formation of light products (29). Over the Pt/HY catalyst, most of the intermediates are confined in the zeolite microporous network, where larger hydrocarbons exhibit substantial diffusional limitations.…”

Quantification of single use plastics waste generated in clinical dental practice and hospital settings

“…It becomes immediately apparent that the greatest volume of SUPs generated in dentistry are those associated with dental examinations by a factor greater than x3; a point also identified by Borglin et al [36]. There is an opportunity for both manufacturers and clinical care providers to engage in a collaborative manner to identify ways of both reducing the use of these items and recycling (mechanical or chemical) these plastics for use in low-value products, such as construction bricks, fences, park benches etc or as feedstock for new plastics [37].…”

Sustainable oral healthcare and the environment: mitigation strategies

“…Chemical recycling is the focus of intensive research such as that pioneered by Garforth et al (2020), that employs a hydrocracking catalytic process that is tolerant of a mixed polyolefin (PE, PP and PS) with small amounts of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PVC, reducing rigorous collection and sorting regimes. 25 In healthcare and dentistry, for truly sustainable plastic use, innovative recycling strategies are required to avoid complex, bespoke, expensive, multi-stage chemical separation and thermal treatments. The adoption of effective recycling technologies has the potential to impact our supply chain and divert much waste into a successful circular economy, with a reduced reliance on the extraction and synthesis of raw materials and end-of life disposal in landfill or incineration (Fig.…”