THERMOLYSIS OF POLYETHYLENE

The thermal degradation (or thermolysis) of linear low-density polyeth ylene (LLDPE) was studied at moderate temperatures, 425-450 degrees C, under an inert atmosphere. One potential application for the products of polyethylene thermolysis is in the production of synthetic lubrica nts. For such an application, the product should be close to 1 decene in chain length and molecular structure. The major reaction product ob tained from thermolysis, at a reaction temperature of 450 degrees C, w as a liquid at room temperature with a yield of 82.5% of the initial c harge to the reactor. The balance of the reaction products was in two parts: a residue and a non-condensable gas fraction, with yields of 9. 5 and 8.0%, respectively. The liquid and residue fractions were charac terized by H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR and gas chromatography. The liquid fracti on had an average chain length of 13.6 carbons and a maximum total uns aturation of 70.8 mol%. The rate of liquid production with time was in vestigated and compared with theoretical predictions.