A factorial experimental design for oxidative thermal decomposition of low-density polyethylene waste

摘要

Oxidative thermal decomposition was studied as a method to decompose low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic waste and produces valuable chemical feedstocks. The air feed rate, the reactor temperature, and the reaction time are the three most important factors affecting the liquid, the acid number, and the peroxide number. Regression equations were obtained according to a standard factorial experimental design and the process was optimised for maximum acid number: operated at 350℃ and at an air feed rate of 0.6 L/min for 2 h, the process renders linear low-carbon compounds that are largely alcohols or carboxylic acids. The products are important chemical raw materials for lubricants, surfactants, and other valuable commodities. At these optimum conditions, the acid number, the peroxide number, and the liquid yield are 64, 133.3 and 103.9%, respectively.