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 C-4-C-6 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 degrees C and 20 bar of H-2 and short reaction times of <15 min in a batch system. Zeolite Beta exhibits marked selectivity toward C-4 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.