(505e) Catalytic Deconstruction of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer and Polyethylene Mixtures | AIChE

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(505e) Catalytic Deconstruction of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer and Polyethylene Mixtures

Authors 

Moura, P. - Presenter, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Kots, P., University of Delaware
Vance, B., University of Delaware
Schyns, Z., University of Delaware
Quinn, C., University of Delaware
Hinton, Z., Drexel University
Korley, L., University of Delaware
Epps, III, T. H., University of Delaware
Vlachos, D., University of Delaware - Catalysis Center For Ener
Najmi, S.
We explore hydrogenolysis over ruthenium supported on zirconia (Ru/ZrO2) and hydrocracking over platinum (Pt) supported on zeolites as an effective end-of-life strategy for ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)—a widely used performance heat-sealant in hard-to-recycle multilayer packaging. For Ru/ZrO2 hydrogenolysis, EVA reacts slower than low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and the catalyst deactivates due to carbonaceous deposits originating from polyenes generated in-situ during EVA thermal degradation. High temperatures can overcome catalyst deactivation; however, CH4 yields are excessive. Hydrogenolysis of mixed EVA and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), mirroring typical frozen food packaging formulations, results in comparable catalyst activity and CH4 yield as the pure EVA resin. These findings showcase the inability of common hydrogenolysis catalysts to handle EVA and its associated mixtures

Topics 

Catalysis
Hydrocarbons

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