Influence of metallic additives on thermal degradation and liquefaction of high density polyethylene (HDPE)

M. V.S. Murty, E. A. Grulke, D. Bhattacharyya

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32 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of typical polymer fillers on the thermal degradation of a commodity plastic to produce liquid fuels. HDPE was degraded in the presence and absence of some metallic additives such as Al(OH)3.xH2O, AlCl3, Al2O3, CaCO3, CuO, ZrO2, and Fe2O3. Liquefaction of HDPE in the presence of selected additives was also carried out to verify the thermal gravimetric data. The HDPE liquefaction conditions such as temperature, effect of H2 or N2 pressure, and time were established before studying the effect of additives. At 50% weight-loss, Al2O3 increased the degradation temperature by ∼30°C, whereas ZrO2 and CaCO3 decreased it by ~∼30 and 70°C, respectively. All the additives were thermally stable below 600°C except AlCl3 and Al(OH)3.xH2O. Under the experimental conditions used, the thermal degradation trend of HDPE in the presence of Al2O3 was clearly reflected in the liquefaction product analysis. With Al2O3, the liquefaction of HDPE was delayed, which in turn resulted in wax formation. It was further proved by simulated distillation and gel permeation chromatographic analysis. More gas in the presence of ZrO2 and more oil (85%) in the case of CaCO3 were produced when compared to the liquefaction of HDPE alone (75%). However, the simulated distillation and GPC analysis of these products obtained at the end of 30 min liquefaction time did not show significant variation when compared to that of HDPE alone. The nature of gas did not affect the oil yield. However, the temperature and time were critical in obtaining the maximum oil yield.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)421-430
Number of pages10
JournalPolymer Degradation and Stability
Volume61
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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