Degradation of polystyrene using clinoptilolite catalysts

Several solid acids such as silica-alumina, HZSM-5, HY, mordenite and clinoptilolite (natural and synthesized) are screened for their performances in the catalytic degradation of polystyrene (PS). The clinoptilolites showed good catalytic activity for the degradation of PS with very high selectivity to aromatic liquids. The effects of catalyst acidity, reaction temperature and contact time on the distribution of aromatics are discussed. The increase of contact time and surface acidity enhanced the production of ethylbenzene. High degradation temperature favored the selectivity to styrene monomer. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.