Thermo‐oxidative degradation of low‐density polyethylene close to industrial processing conditions

Abstract

Abstract Thermo‐oxidative degradation of low density polyetylene (LDPE) at a low degree of volatilization (about 4%) at 264–289°C was studied. Gas chromatography—mass spectrometric analysis was used to separate and identify the products of LDPE decomposition. Altogether 44 compounds representing hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids, cyclic ethers, cyclic ethers, cyclic esters, and hydroxycarboxylic acids were identified. Sixteen oxygen‐containing products were quantified. Among the components identified, the fatty acids and aldehydes predominated. The most abundant product was formic acid. The mechanism of formation of the degradation products is discussed.