Catalytic Cracking of Polypropylene Waste over Zeolite Beta

Abstract

Catalytic cracking of polypropylene (PP) waste has been investigated using zeolite beta (BEA) as a catalyst. BEA was performed by transformation of mesoporous silica SBA-15, a novel synthesis based on the functionalization of Si/Al ratio was studied. The catalyst samples obtained were tested for their catalytic activities in the cracking of PP waste in batch reactor under various conditions. The plastic conversions and the yields of products fractions obviously depend on the the Si/Al ratios and reaction temperatures. The product selectivity is affected by those factors. The thermal cracking of PP waste leads to plastic %conversion lower than catalytic cracking. In contrast, the nanoparticle BEA is found very active up to 95 %conversion. The used catalyst can be regenerated easily by calcination and its activity remains comparable to the fresh catalyst.

Keywords: Zeolite beta, Catalytic cracking, Thermal cracking, Polypropylene (PP) waste, %conversion