Thermocatalytic degradation of low density polyethylene films by responding to the actuation of heat

Abstract

A novel thermal catalyst in response to heat excitation was first synthesized and then added into low density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix to prepare corresponding films. The thermocatalytic degradation of LDPE/thermal catalyst (LEPDET) film was investigated under artificial ageing conditions. The changes in the films were evaluated by measuring the surface morphology, average molecular weight, crystallization capacity, chemical group, contact angle, and mechanical property. The results obtained show that the surface of as-prepared film was seriously destroyed because of the thermocatalytic reactions at 40 °C in darkness. A rapid decreasing tendency of the average molecular weight was clearly monitored, simultaneously, the crystallization capacity decreased significantly. The presence of carbonyl groups was observed during degradation process, and the above-mentioned groups were also detected mediately in contact angle view. Additionally, on the basis of the above-mentioned evidences, a possible mechanism for the thermoctalytic degradation was also established in detail. Thus, the effectiveness of thermocatalytic route has been successfully demonstrated by heat excitation at near room-temperature. It is hoped that our study may develop an alternative method for the disposal of polymeric film in the future.