Catalytic degradation of polyolefins

Silica, alumina, silica-aluminas and zeolites were screened as catalysts for polyolefins degradation. The degradations were carried out at temperatures from 200°C till to 600°C under vacuum. The degradation products were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The comparison between these products and those obtained by thermal degradation in the absence of catalyst gives us many informations about the different mechanisms of the two degradation reactions. Kinetic measurements and thermogravimetry provided further useful data for screening the catalysts, finding the best operating conditions.