Effect of irradiation on pyrolysis of polypropylene in the presence of zeolites

For recycling of waste polymers, the degradation behavior of PP was studied with a combination of radiolysis and thermolysis methods. The results revealed that thermal degradation temperature of PP was significantly reduced when PP was irradiated in the presence of a zeolite. The irradiation-induced temperature reduction depended on the zeolite structure and composition, as well as on the morphology of the mixture. Identification of pyrolysis products indicated that, in the absence of zeolite, irradiation resulted only in a change of the product distribution but no formation of new compounds. In the presence of zeolite, however, a series of oxidized products were formed. In addition, the pyrolysis could be performed at a much lower temperature. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Limited