Thermo Catalytic Degradation of Polythene using Zeolite as Catalyst to Convert it into High Melting Polythene Wax

Abstract

Thermocatalytic degradation of polythene has been achieved using zeolites to obtain high melting polythene wax. Zeolite structure consists of a three dimensional framework of SiO4 and AlO4 tetrahydra in analogy with structures of feltspars and clays. The extensive internal surface area and cavities of zeolites are responsible for such catalytic effects. The degradation of polythene was carried out with various zeolite concentrations, temperature, and time of reaction to get optimum conditions of the process of degradation. Attempts have also been made to understand the mechanism of the catalytic reaction of zeolites.